Newcastle not ´one-man team´ relying on Isak, says Howe

Eddie Howe insists Newcastle United are not a “one-man team” and also believes Alexander Isak will not face a long-term lay-off through injury.

Isak missed Newcastle’s 2-0 loss to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday having suffered a groin injury in the build-up to that match.

The Swede is the club’s top scorer this season, netting 21 goals in all competitions, while his 19-goal haul in the Premier League means he sits third in the race for the Golden Boot.

“We recognise Alex [Isak’s] strengths and his abilities,” Howe said ahead of their FA Cup meeting with Brighton on Sunday.

“I don’t think we are a one-man team. I will never classify us in that bracket, but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need.

“We have other ways of playing and other players’ skill sets to utilise. I thought there was a lot of good in our performance against Liverpool, but we didn’t hurt them enough around their box for sure.”

It is a busy stretch for Newcastle, who have their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton this weekend and the EFL Cup against Liverpool on March 16. They also sit sixth in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City in fourth.

Isak had scored a brace against Nottingham Forest in the game prior to the Liverpool loss and has scored twice in each of Newcastle’s last three wins in the Premier League.

The forward has played just one minute in the FA Cup this season, coming on late against Birmingham City in the last round, and Howe remains unsure if he will be available to face Brighton.

“I haven’t seen him since the [Liverpool] game,” Eddie Howe said of Isak’s fitness.

“We will see how he is [on Friday]. We don’t think it’s a long-term problem. There was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can’t be with the stage of the season we’re in.

“There is always a risk with any player, but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness. We will see how he is and if he is fit, he will play.

“[However], I think with Alex, it is pretty clear for me if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final, then he will play, and we have to have that mindset with all of our players.

“You can’t save players as they will lose rhythm. The best thing for a player to stay in good form and to stay fit is to play them and that’s what we will try to do with all of our players.”