Newcastle United's 2024/25 campaign hasn't gone the way they would have expected so far. Even though the club occupies the 7th PL position, with 12 points from the seven matchdays, the unit has failed to be consistently convincing. However, the club would want to turn things around as they seek brilliant momentum in the PL return, coming on the back of a winless streak of 3 games.
Eddie Howe opens up on the availability of star forward duo against Brighton
Hosting Brighton in their upcoming matchday, Eddie Howe's side would look forward to grabbing the maximum points available, materializing the home advantage. However, considering Brighton's recent form, it is certain that it would take much doing on Newcastle's part to get past Hurzeler's side. Add to that the recovery update of the club's star forward, and the upcoming fixture seems much more challenging for the Magpies club.
As reports had suggested, it was expected that the Tyneside club would have stronger squad strength as PL action returns, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. Although both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson's return was much sought, after the break, recent injury updates from manager Eddie Howe weren't found completely favorable in the club's case.
While in the club's priority forward, Alexander Isak's case, the update feels much encouraging; Wilson's return might get delayed more. Speaking in the media address, Howe updated on Isak's return, saying,
""Alex has trained and trained well; he trained at the start of this week and looked good. He will be in contention for the weekend.""Eddie Howe
As per the manager's wordings, it seems much more favorable that the Swedish international, Isak, would be available for their upcoming game against Brighton. Clearly, the player's potential return would be a major boost for the Magpies club, who have been facing goal-scarce since the season started. However, while Callum Wilson's return along with Isak could have been the best for Newcastle, it seems that the club fans would have to wait more for the veteran's return.
Howe, while speaking on Wilson's recovery status, mentioned,
""Callum has trained, but we will continue to assess it day by day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group. When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it is important we make the right call.""Eddie Howe
Overall, Newcastle United, even though boosted by Isak's availability, would miss the veteran duo of Wilson and Trippier, sidelines due to a hamstring injury, as they host Brighton. Newcastle fans would hope that the club breaks its inconsistent run in the PL, grabbing a much-needed home win here, to remain relevant for a top-4 PL finish.