Eddie Howe forced into naming Alexander Isak replacement as Newcastle United star ruled out


Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has failed a late fitness test and will not face Manchester City today.

The Sweden international suffered a broken toe in training last week and got through the 3-1 defeat against Fulham after pain-killing injections. Toon head coach Eddie Howe had said before the game: "He trained last week before the Fulham game and he had an injection in his toe to play. He felt fine but started to feel his toe in the final five or 10 minutes. After the game, it stiffened up and he wasn't in a great place earlier in the week.

"He hasn't trained yet. We will have to make a decision on whether he trains today. He’s had scans and lots of tests. The injury has been diagnosed fine – it sounds worse than it is, but he’s got a broken toe. But it’s one that can be managed and played with, provided he can tolerate the pain levels, and that will have no long-term risks. He had an injection to numb the pain, and that was fine until the injection wore off."

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The Isak injury is a huge blow for the Magpies and while he is only sitting on one goal so far this term, it is a concern going into October for Howe and his coaching staff.

It meant that Anthony Gordon led the line for Howe's side against Man City with William Osula deemed a back-up option. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy were either side of the Scouse forward.

Howe also named Sandro Tonali in his starting line-up with Joe Willock benched for the clash with Pep Guardiola's side.

UNITED: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.

Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Livramento, Almiron, Kelly, Osula, Willock, Longstaff, A Murphy.