New Newcastle United injury update on Alexander Isak as Eddie Howe hints at return

Isak, signed for a club-record £60million fee in the summer, has been sidelined since September with a thigh problem. However, the 23-year-old is now close to a comeback, and Howe was asked for an update after tonight’s goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“He’s doing well, he’s getting closer, and that’s all I can update you with,” said United’s head coach, who has only been able to field Isak in three Premier League games so far.

Howe had previously spoken about his hope of a return this month for Isak, who suffered his injury while on international duty with Sweden.

Newcastle take on League One Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in an FA Cup tie on Saturday. The third-round tie is followed by a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester City at St James’s Park on January 10.