Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on Alexander Isak ’s fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Isak missed Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday with a slight groin problem but returned to the starting lineup for their dramatic FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton on Sunday.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks' time, the Magpies have plenty to contend with, particularly following a dramatic FA Cup defeat at St James' Park on Sunday

Eddie Howe has provided an encouraging update on Newcastle ’s Alexander Isak with the striker’s groin injury not thought to be a long-term problem. Fears of a lay-off for the club’s free-scoring forward were sparked when he missed the midweek defeat to Liverpool, with Callum Wilson starting in his stead up front.