Just before Wednesday's Premier League match, the news came that the Swedish attacking star could not play against Liverpool (0-2 loss).
Before Sunday's match in the FA Cup's fifth round, against Brighton, Newcastle's coach Eddie Howe says that Alexander Isak has a minor groin injury and will be examined before a decision is made about his participation on Sunday.
We'll see how he looks today, and if he's healthy, he'll play. We don't think it's a long-term injury. But we're not taking any risks considering the stage of the season we're in, says Howe, as Newcastle meets Liverpool in the league cup final in two weeks.
Howe praises his Swedish attacking star, who has scored 21 goals so far, and explains that the team uses different playing systems depending on whether Isak is playing or not.
Alex has unique qualities in his central attacking role, the decisive role that we need. We've adapted our game to his qualities. He's an outstanding talent who possesses skills and abilities that make us better, says the coach.
When he's not playing, the team gets a different look, we have to play in a different way.
