EDDIE HOWE has confirmed Alexander Isak suffered “slight signs of concussion” and is therefore a doubt for tomorrow’s home game with West Ham United.
Isak took a blow to the face in the closing stages of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg as he defended a free-kick from James Ward-Prowse.
He was immediately substituted as he was showing signs of concussion, and has been going through the concussion protocols this week.
Newcastle’s medical staff have been monitoring the Swedish striker closely, with Howe admitting he does not yet know whether he will be available to face West Ham.
Howe said: “Alex actually made a vital contribution in that moment. We had discussed James Ward-Prowse’s free-kicks in the build-up to both games. Knowing how good he is, he was able to jump and block the free-kick, but took a blow to the side of the head.
“He had very slight signs of concussion. We’ve followed all the protocols, but whether he’ll be available or not, I’m not sure.”
Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby were paraded on the St James’ Park pitch ahead of Tuesday’s game, and the January signings are both available to feature in tomorrow’s matchday squad.
Howe said: “I think both players will be available. They’ve trained well. They did a couple of individual sessions around the game because they weren’t eligible to play.
“They trained with the group yesterday, although it was a small group so they haven’t actually trained fully with the team. But I think both are fit and fine.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here