Newcastle is not a “single team”, says Howe, because Isaac struggle becomes healthy

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said his team is not a “single team” and hopes star forward Alexander Isak will be able to return soon.

The Swedish striker has scored 21 times this season but missed a groin problem on Wednesday’s Liverpool issue.

Callum Wilson started his position, but the Hi pies looked short in Anfield.

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Howe said Isak may play against Brighton in the FA Cup this weekend, but will begin next month in the Calaba Cup final against Liverpool.

Howe said: “We recognize Alex [Isak’s] Advantages and his abilities. I don’t think we’re a team of one person and I’ll never classify us in this regard, but Alex has unique traits in the key middle characters we need.

“We have other ways to play and other players’ skill sets to take advantage of. I thought we had a lot of good results for Liverpool, but we certainly didn’t have enough damage around the box.

“Any player is always at risk, but we won’t take his long-term fitness risks. We will see how he is today and if he is healthy, he will play.

“I think it’s obvious to me that if he’s fit in any game before the EFL Cup final, then he’s going to play and we have to keep that mentality with all the players.”

“We want to make our team stronger”

Newcastle did not make any major signings in January and continues to see their players tied to movements away from the club.

Defender Tino Livramento is the latest mention of moving to Manchester City, and Howe said the reports were frustrating.

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He said: “I don’t think it’s time to say that we’re frustrating that we’re talking about players and the rumors that they’re leaving.

“We want to go another way, we want to strengthen the team in another way. We want to make our team and the team stronger, not lose the best players.”

Newcastle won the FA Cup for the last time in 1955.