Eddie Howe has confirmed he will be without one of his best players when Newcastle United travel to Everton this weekend.
Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday evening and will be hoping to build on the promising signs shown in recent weeks.
After a terrible start to the 2024/25 season, Sean Dyche’s side finally got their first four points on the board over the last fortnight with a draw at Leicester City and a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
While it’s still baby steps, the results do reflect the mostly good performances Everton had been putting in before collapsing in ridiculous fashion.
The Toffees will be hoping to continue the budding momentum when Newcastle venture to Merseyside, though the Magpies are much fiercer opposition.
However, they will be weakened as Eddie Howe has confirmed star striker Alexander Isak will miss the match.
Newcastle will be without Alexander Isak vs Everton
Isak may only have one goal to his name so far this season but the Swede notched an impressive 25 last term and is crucial to how Newcastle play.
The 25-year-old has suffered a toe injury that saw him miss last weekend’s draw with Manchester City and Howe has now confirmed he won’t be back until after the international break.
As a result, he will sit out the game at Goodison Park and with Callum Wilson also injured, Newcastle are short on attacking options.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said on the striking duo: “We’re still missing some top players that can make a difference as well.
“Especially at the top end of the pitch without our two recognised No.9s at the moment. So there are challenges and continues to be challenges, but that will be the case throughout the season.
“What we’re looking for is for the team to be clear on what we’re trying to do.
“Yeah, he [Isak] won’t make the game tomorrow but we’re hoping he’ll be back after the international break and we hope the same with Callum.
“Potentially good news around the corner with those two and they’re such important players for us.”
Everton vs Newcastle United team news
Isak and Wilson are not Newcastle’s only casualties and with seven players sidelined they are one of the Premier League’s most injury-stricken clubs.
They have also been hit vert hard in defence with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Targett all out, though Howe is hopeful Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar and Nick Pope should all make the match after picking up knocks.
Midfield starlet Lewis Miley remains sidelined, however.
Everton aren’t without their own problems, though, as full-backs Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman are still out of action while forward duo Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti are injured as well.
In a late blow, Jarrad Branthwaite is now a doubt after suffering a quad injury in training, too.
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