Newcastle confirmed the signing of Alexandre Isak on a six-year deal from Real Sociedad on Friday, spending £63m, but the Magpies are still awaiting international clearance to allow the 22-year-old to play against Liverpool.
Isak missed Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers as the paperwork wasn’t completed in time, but Chris Waugh of The Athletic said Newcastle have until 75 minutes before kick-off for Isak to be granted permission.
Howe said on the matter: “I don’t know, I still don’t know. I hope so, I desperately hope so. It’d be great to see him involved for us but we’re in the hands still of other people. So desperately hoping that gets done before the weekend, but there’s no guarantee. It could go down to the wire.”
As things stand, Chris Wood will be leading the line against Liverpool in Callum Wilson’s absence, but Isak could make his debut if he’s cleared in time. The Magpies could be without Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Wilson against Liverpool, so they’ll be short of creativity and attacking threat.
Having Isak would be the silver lining, however, as he scored 44 goals with eight assists from 132 games for Real Sociedad and turns 23 in September. Wood hasn’t scored in the Premier League since April, so he doesn’t compare to the Swedish international.
Time will tell if Howe gets to play his new signing this evening or has to wait until the weekend to unleash him.
In other news, Kieran Trippier should face Liverpool, but is it worth the risk?
