Alexander Isak yet to train and ‘a doubt’ for visit of Manchester City, says Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak is “a doubt” to face Manchester City on Saturday.

The Swedish striker was nursing a toe injury last weekend when the Magpies lost 3-1 at Craven Cottage to Fulham, but he played through the pain as Newcastle’s only available and recognised striker, with Callum Wilson sidelined with his own niggle.

However, the decision to risk Isak seems to have made the issue worse, with Howe confirming that the forward’s toe was broken.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “In terms of fresh injuries, Alex is still nursing his toe injury and will be a doubt for tomorrow.

“He hasn’t trained yet so we will have to make a decision on him.”

Isak’s potential absence leaves Howe without a recognised centre forward for the visit of City, who are themselves without key players.

Newcastle are arguably fresher than their Premier League counterparts, having had their League Cup third-round tie against AFC Wimbledon postponed after the League Two side’s Plough Lane pitch was flooded.

The game will be reversed, now taking place at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening.

On the rearrangement, Howe said: “It gave us the opportunity to train which was probably a good thing for us.

“Two really good days; we got to then work with the team to try and solve some of the issues from the Fulham game.”

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Newcastle United v Manchester City will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 11:00 UK time on Saturday, September 28, ahead of kick-off at 12:30.