News

Eddie Howe reveals whether Alexander Isak is likely to be back fit for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool delivered another shot in the arm to their Premier League title hopes after beating Newcastle 2-0 on Wednesday.

The game against the Magpies was the final one in a punishing run for the Reds, which saw them take in five difficult fixtures over the course of just over two weeks.

Having come through that run unbeaten, Liverpool now look destined to lift the Premier League trophy in May.

Things were made more comfortable on Wednesday after the news that star Newcastle striker Alexander Isak had been unable to make the matchday squad at Anfield.

Isak has been linked with Liverpool having put up yet another excellent season for the Toon. His absence was no doubt a positive to the Reds’ chances of winning.

And with the Carabao Cup final between these two teams just around the corner, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gave a post-match update on whether Isak is likely to be fit for Wembley.

Alexander Isak warms up ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at St James' Park
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images

Alexander Isak likely to make Carabao Cup final return

There are many supporters who see Isak as the ideal solution to Liverpool’s No.9 problem.

The Sweden international has been prolific over the past two years for Newcastle and would certainly enhance the Liverpool squad.

For the Magpies, Isak is set to be crucial for them as they push for a return to the Champions League in 2025/26.

He is also perhaps their best chance at winning the Carabao Cup final on March 16th.

READ MORE: Liverpool did something to ruin Eddie Howe’s pre-match message to Newcastle’s players straight away at Anfield

As a result, having seen him miss Wednesday’s game at Anfield, some Liverpool supporters may have been wondering whether Isak would be fit for next month’s big clash.

But according to journalist Lewis Steele, Howe confirmed after the game that the 25-year-old is expected to be ready by then.

Do Liverpool have any fitness concerns?

Liverpool appeared to get through Wednesday’s game without any injury problems themselves.

Of course, something could still crop up in the days following the match, but with a full week off between fixtures, any minor issues are unlikely to cause a problem.

As a result, heading into the final in March, Liverpool remain in very good shape in terms of fitness.

Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton are all seemingly expected to miss the showpiece, with Bradley perhaps the only one in with a chance of returning.

That, rather back-up trio aside, though, the Reds are likely to be at full-tilt. With Isak back, they’ll need to be.