RECORD signing Alexander Isak won’t be making his Newcastle comeback against Manchester United on Sunday.

And Magpies boss Eddie Howe has cast doubt on whether the £60m striker will be available for the midweek home against Everton or the trip to Tottenham three days later.

Isak’s thigh injury is not serious with Howe insisting he is improving but the next batch of fixtures look to have come too early for the Swede.

“Alex is making progress,” he said. “But he’s not available for this game.

As for the next two, it is difficult to say but I’d probably say the three-game week might be difficult. Fortunately, we have not picked up any fresh injuries.”

Isak has scored two goals in three games since arriving from Real Sociedad but Magpies’ fans have yet to see him in tandem with Callum Wilson who had his own fitness issues earlier this season.

Howe confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin – who came off the bench in the 5-1 victory over Brentford – could start at Old Trafford where Newcastle are looking for only their second league win since 1972.

Confidence in the camp is sky high, however, after back-to-back wins which have catapulted the Geordies into the top six.

“We’re going there to try and attack it and get a positive result,” added the head coach.

“Manchester United have outstanding individuals and a great manager and are developing their style of play and philosophy.

“But we go there with no fear and a belief we can win.

“The performance levels have been very high and if you go into these games with a good feeling, it gives you the best chance of a positive result.

“Winning is so important because it changes everything.

“There’s been a buzz and a bounce in training this week but I’m keen to make sure the dangers that come with winning like complacency and over-confidence don’t rear their head.

“The next group of games are tough, there is no question about that and it’s a big week ahead of us.

“But we want to rise to the occasion and try and attack each of them.”

With Saint-Maximin expected to start and Ryan Fraser pushing hard for a recall, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron have fierce competition for their places.

Howe admits they could not have done much more.

He added: “They’ve both done a great job.

“Miggy is scoring goals and playing well while Jacob has come in and done so well, giving us really good options in those positions.

“And we’ll need them with all the physical demands that come with the schedule.”