Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe told the media about the handful of injury concerns that he had ahead of this weekend’s massive Championship Sunday clash. In the past few days, he’s provided updates on Joelinton (knee), Alexander Isak (groin) and Kieran Trippier (calf).
Isak and Trippier still stand a chance of featuring this weekend, while Joelinton does not.
Championship Sunday FYIs
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Kickoff: Sun. May 25, 2025, 4pm UK, St. James Park, Newcastle, UK
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Let’s start with Isak, who was left out fo the squad that lost to Arsenal last weekend.
“I don’t know [if he’ll make the final game],” Howe said yesterday, in regards to his talismanic forward.
“He only felt pain really after training… he felt fine during, and then just a bit of stiffness, so he went for a scan purely as a precaution. But then it became obvious he wasn’t going to be fit to play.
“I think a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.”
Isak could push through it though, because the Geordies haven’t locked up Champions League football for next season yet, and need all hands on deck.
Joelinton, who has been absent the past few weeks, won’t be one of them. It’s basically official now, his season is done.
“He’s working away behind the scenes,” Howe said a couple days ago.
“Typical Joe, he’s absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved. The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”
As for Trippier, he’s touch-and-go/late fitness test for this one.
Matt Targett and Lewis Hall have long been ruled out for the season.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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