Official Newcastle United update on Alexander Isak injury situation | OneFootball

Only one change to the team on Sunday, Callum Wilson replacing Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United were excellent in the first half at the Emirates but left wondering how they didn’t manage at least a couple of goals.

Five efforts on target in the opening 17 minutes and Arsenal keeper Raya named man of the match.

Newcastle United fans and Eddie Howe, left wondering what could and would have been, if Alexander Isak had been on the pitch as the chances flowed.

Before the game official NUFC media stated that it was a ‘minor groin issue’ that had kept Alexander Isak out of the matchday squad at Arsenal.

United know a win next Sunday against Everton at St James’ Park will guarantee a top five place and Champions League football next season.

Eddie Howe giving an update on Alexander Isak in the aftermath of the striker missing the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal:

“He only really felt pain after training [on Saturday].

“He felt fine during the training but then had a bit of stiffness.

“He went for a scan on Sunday morning, purely as a precaution really, but then it became obvious that he wasn’t going to be fit to play.

“It is an unknown [at this moment in time] whether Alex [Isak] will be fit for the Everton game.

“I don’t know what will happen, a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.

“I think he has had a couple of groin issues, on either side,.

“I think this is one that he had earlier in the season.

“I don’t think this is a surgery issue.

“I don’t think it’s something that needs mending.

“It probably needs looking at, as to why he is getting these groin complaints.

“But it is definitely not a surgery issue, it is probably more of a case of what is he doing to strengthen that area [or needs to do], which of course we will look at and focus on.”

Eddie Howe reflecting on the defeat against Arsenal:

“It was a really strong first half performance from ourselves.

“We looked confident.

“I was really pleased, bar the last action, the finishing was a bit off.

“I have to say David Raya played well.

“I can’t ask any more of the players, a tough place to come.

“We probably weren’t at our best in the second half and that is what has probably has cost us the game.”

Eddie Howe on United’s Champions League qualification chances:

“Halfway through the season, we weren’t in a great position.

“We have worked hard to get here.

“I had the feeling it would go right to the end and it is an incredibly tight race.

“We have one more game to execute what we need.

“We love playing at home.

“It is a really great atmosphere.

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and make it too emotional.

“We need to give our best and try and win.”

Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Sunday 18 May 4.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Arsenal:

Rice 55

Possession was Newcastle 48% Arsenal 52%

Total shots were Newcastle 14 Arsenal 12

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Arsenal 4

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 10

Touches in the box Newcastle 33 Arsenal 33

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Botman (Krafth 64), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Gordon, Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Willock 76), Wilson (Osula 64), Murphy (Miley 63)

Unused Subs:

Dubravka, Lascelles, Longstaff, Neave, Ruddy

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Read HERE)