LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Fabian Huerzeler, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, celebrates following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson to be fit for Newcastle v Brighton
ALEXANDER ISAK is winning his battle to be fit for Newcastle United’s return after the international break, with Callum Wilson also in with a chance of featuring in the squad to face Brighton.
However, Kieran Trippier has emerged as a major doubt for the home game with the Seagulls, with the full-back potentially facing a few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Isak has missed Newcastle’s last three games in all competitions after fracturing his toe in last month’s win at Wolves.
The striker withdrew from international duty with Sweden because of the problem and has been easing his way back into training at the Magpies’ Darsley Park base in the last week.
He is set to step up his training programme significantly in the next few days, with Newcastle’s medical staff confident he will able to start against Brighton provided he does not suffer any unforeseen setbacks next week.
Isak’s return will be a major boost for Eddie Howe, who has been forced to move Anthony Gordon from his preferred position on the wing into the ‘number nine’ role in the last two games.
Gordon slotted in reasonably effectively against Manchester City and Everton, but Isak’s return will increase Newcastle’s potency in the final third and enable Gordon to return to a role on the flank.
