Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is unsure whether he will have his top scorer Alexander Isak available for Sunday's FA Cup last-16 match against Brighton & Hove Albion, but is positive the striker is not facing a long layoff.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will prepare his team as though Newcastle star Alexander Isak will play in the FA Cup fifth round clash this Sunday. Isak has 19 goals and five assists in the Premier League so far this term but missed Wednesday 2-0 loss at Liverpool with a groin issue.

Newcastle United Eddie Howe is hopeful that Alexander Isak will not miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool next month.

Eddie Howe giving the official Newcastle United injury and upcoming availability update on Alexander Isak, as well as a couple of other players: “It goes without saying how important Alexander [Isak] is to us. “I thought that you could see that tonight. “It was a late decision [to leave him out], around midday today.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is unsure whether he will have his top scorer Alexander Isak available for Sunday's FA Cup fifth round match against Brighton, but is positive the striker is not facing a long layoff.

Isak is the Premier League ’s third top scorer this season and shapes a key figure in the battle for top four spots, and Howe has provided optimistic news about a potential return. “I haven't seen him since the game,

Eddie Howe on Friday calmed fears over Alexander Isak's fitness but said he would not take risks over his star forward at such a critical stage of the season. But Howe said he would not take a risk with Isak's fitness.

Alexander Isak’s groin injury is not serious, but Eddie Howe will not be taking any risks with his in-form striker, confirms the Newcastle manager. The Swedish star missed the Magpie’s defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday,