Topics: Newcastle United, Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe, Liverpool
A Newcastle United player has responded to an Instagram post that claimed he was due to miss the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle will take on Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, 16 March, but could be without several key players due to suspension or injury.
Winger Anthony Gordon will watch from the stands as he is suspended, having been sent off during the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round on March 2.
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Fullback Lewis Hall is out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a foot injury in last month’s Premier League match against Liverpool, as a result, he will also miss the final.
Arguably, Eddie Howe’s biggest concern will be the fitness of star man Alexander Isak, who has registered 22 goals and 5 assists in 31 appearances this season.
However, Isak, 25, limped off during Newcastle’s defeat against Brighton, although Howe did not seem too concerned when he spoke after the match.
“He had some tightness in his body, but not an injury,” said Howe.
“The longer it went on, the greater the risk, so he was taken off before any problems.”
But the injury worries do not stop there. Sven Botman has not featured for over a month and last played in the Carabao Cup semi final second-leg win over Arsenal on February 5.
Botman, 25, is one of Newcastle’s key defenders, and Howe will no doubt be keen for him to return before the final.
“[We are] desperate to get him back fit, such a big player, but again we couldn't take a risk with him if he wasn't 100% fit,” Howe said after the FA Cup fixture.
Several reports have since suggested that the Dutchman will miss the final.
But the player himself issued a three-word response when Instagram account @geordie_josh suggested that his “season could be over” and that he was “guaranteed” to miss the clash against Liverpool.
However, this does not appear to be the case, as the player commented, “Don’t sell bulls***,” on the post seemingly putting any rumours about his fitness to bed.
Before the final, Newcastle will take on West Ham in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Monday 10 March.
