Expert issues ‘100%’ Newcastle United verdict after Alexander Isak image emerges – ‘the best’
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle United strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson must start together when the Premier League resumes.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the return of the 23-year-old Swede will give the Magpies “confidence” as they vie for Champions League qualification.
Isak was pictured (via club media, 5 December) while away with Newcastle in their mid-season break in Riyadh but didn’t feature in their friendly clash with Al-Hilal.
As quoted by The Shields Gazette (6 December), Eddie Howe has revealed the striker won’t take part in the 17 December friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
He suggested the club-record arrival could return for the League Cup clash with Bournemouth next Tuesday (20 December).
Isak scored two goals in his first three Premier League outings but has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since 17 September.
Wilson was forced to step up in the Sweden international’s absence and earned a World Cup call-up for England with his stellar performances.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Coming into this second part of the season, to stay where they are in the Premier League – you want a fully-fit squad.
“This is going to help Wilson so much too. The games will come thick and fast, and Isak can just help ease that load and keep both of them fit.
“Both of them need to play, 100%. Isak is a big-money signing, and he finished in a really strong way before his injury. Wilson has been showing some of the best performances of his career.
“It’s great that Howe has these big decisions to make because it’s a really good problem to have.
“They can go out there now and be confident of having enough firepower to maintain this league position.”
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