EDDIE Howe believes Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson can "propel each other to their best" when the attacking duo are back fit after the international break - but Newcastle United will again be missing both at Everton on Saturday.

Isak has been ruled out of the game after failing to recover from his broken toe, which will prevent the striker from linking up with Sweden for the coming international break, while Wilson isn't yet ready to return having not yet kicked a ball this season.

But Howe is hoping both strikers are fit and ready for Newcastle's return to action against Brighton after this month's international stoppage - and believes the Magpies will benefit enormously from having the duo back and potentially playing as a striking pair.

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"I don't think they've been fit together for a sustained period for a long time and that's had a negative effect on us a team of course because they're two outstanding players," said Howe.

"But also for themselves, they almost need each other to help propel them to their best performances. There's nothing like that pressure of someone else competing for your shirt or playing with you, because when they've played together they've done really well together, albeit we haven't seen it as much as we'd like.

"They're two hugely influential characters off the pitch as well. Callum we've talked about many times, his energy and positivity. Alex is a totally different character but there's an aura about him. We're a much better team when we have both players around."

Howe is expecting both Nick Pope and Fabian Schar to be available for the Everton trip. Pope missed the midweek cup win over Wimbledon with swelling on the knee, while Schar picked up a knock late on.

Hope also hopes Kieran Trippier is fit to play at Goodison Park, but Martin Dubvravka could miss out.

Howe said: “Martin took a nasty whack to the knee and scans showed it was just bruising. Whether he is fit for this game or not, I’m not sure, but it is nothing serious.”