Alexander Isak facing race against time to make Newcastle debut

08/30/2022

Asked if there was a cut-off point, Howe added: “I think it’s 75 minutes before kick-off. We don’t know, so it could go down to the wire. We’ll wait and see.”

Isak’s arrival appeared to have come in the nick of time with Callum Wilson, the Magpies’ top scorer in each of the last two seasons, facing several weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, only for the red tape to cause a delay.

Howe’s need grew after the game at Molineux when Allan Saint-Maximin, who had earlier scored a stunning equaliser, limped off with a similar problem.

The Frenchman and key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes – who missed out at the weekend with a hamstring strain – are doubts for the trip to Merseyside.

Howe, whose side hit the headlines last weekend after a thrilling 3-3 draw with champions Manchester City, has already become accustomed to the rollercoaster existence of life at St James’ Park.

He said: “There are always going to be tests and moments that are meant to try you and you’ve just got to try to figure out a plan in return and try to find a way around it.”

In the meantime, Howe will prepare his players for a difficult game – Liverpool emerged from a testing start to the new campaign with a 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth on Saturday – with back-up keeper Martin Dubravka seemingly heading for Manchester United.

The former Cherries boss reiterated his reluctance to allow the Slovakia international to leave, but hinted that it was not his decision.

He said: “It’s not always about what I want or the club wants, you have to understand the player’s position as well. Sometimes you have to see things from two perspectives.

Alexander Isak facing race against time to make Newcastle debut

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