Howe provides Isak injury update after striker missed Liverpool clash

Eddie Howe has rejected the suggestion that Newcastle United are a one-man team dependent on Alexander Isak.

The Sweden striker was missing because of a groin complaint during Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, in which the visitors failed to register a shot on target.

It was the third Premier League match without Isak this season and in that time Howe’s side have scored only one goal, a penalty, and are yet to win.

Isak will be assessed on Friday ahead of Sunday’s visit of Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round, but Howe says no risks will be taken. Joelinton and Sven Botman are in contention to return after knee layoffs.

Meanwhile, head coach Howe was asked on Friday if they are over-reliant on their 21-goal frontman.

‘I don’t think so,’ said Howe. ‘But in saying that, we recognise Alex’s strengths and his abilities. I don’t think we’re a one-man team. I would never classify us in that bracket.

‘But Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, that pivotal middle role that we need. He has standout qualities in his game, and we've moulded our game to his qualities. He's an outstanding talent who possesses skills that make us better. That's no disrespect to anyone else we have.

‘When he's not playing, the team takes a different look. It's still a team that can be successful in my opinion, but we'd have to do it a different way. We have other ways of playing, other skillsets that we can utilise.

‘But I also think you have to look at we were playing Liverpool the other night - that has been a tough game for everyone this season. I thought there was a lot of good as well, it wasn’t all bad. But yes, we didn’t hurt them enough around their box, for sure.’

Howe used Callum Wilson at Anfield, with the striker making his first Premier League start of the season after injury. The Newcastle boss would like to play Wilson and Isak together.

‘It’s been a big frustration,’ said Howe. ‘My mind goes back to Burnley last year when we played them in tandem. I thought they were outstanding. They looked a real handful and enjoyed playing together. It brought a different dimension to us.

‘Since then, we haven’t had them in the best physical condition to play together. Even now, Callum is still finding his way back to his best and Alex has this recent problem. I would love to get to the stage where they’re both 100 per cent fit and maybe look at that option.’