Newcastle United star issues injury update as Alexander Isak situation evolves before Aston Villa clash

Newcastle United are unlikely to have star striker Alexander Isak available but Anthony Gordon will be fine to play in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa this weekend, it has been revealed.

Unai Emery’s side will be relieved to avoid facing the clinical Isak but the same cannot be said for fellow forward Gordon, as the England international has confirmed he’s ready for selection. There were concerns over Gordon’s fitness after he hobbled off for Newcastle during a recent friendly against Atletico Madrid, but he’s publicly allayed those fears.

Isak, training on his own after making it clear he wants to leave Newcastle for Liverpool this summer, is still seemingly pushing for a transfer away from St. James’ Park. Gordon has led the line in pre-season during Isak’s absence, starting at striker in the friendlies against Atletico and Tottenham Hotspur. He could do so again at Villa Park.

Anthony Gordon issues injury update before Aston Villa clash

Despite limping off in the 84th minute against Atletico, Gordon has escaped an injury and is now looking forward to taking on Villa. “Just twisted my ankle,” Gordon wrote on Instagram. “No problems. Glad to be back home. Business time next,” the winger said.

Gordon’s post came just hours after Howe said: “Yeah, we hope he's okay. I think he's got an ankle problem. Initially, maybe he thought it was a muscle problem, but the good news is I think it was just a twist. So the initial feeling is he should be okay.

“The last thing I want, I think, going into the last week, is any type of injury to any player so we don't have the depth currently to cover that, so fingers crossed he's okay.”

Eddie Howe reveals Alexander Isak latest

Isak getting back involved is Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s priority but it’s not as straightforward as that. Howe has recently emphasised the importance of mentality and won’t field players who don’t want to play for the club. The best course of action, with Isak’s heart still set on a transfer to Liverpool, appears to be leaving him out in the cold for a while longer.

“We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. So, yeah, I don't know how long that will be for. That's the latest,” Howe said, via our sister publication Newcastle World.

“He's here, of course he has a future at Newcastle. Certainly from our perspective, everyone connected with the club, we would love to see him back with the team. But the situation has to be right for that time.

“I'd want Alex to be playing. I'd want him training We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear, there is no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome. But I don’t see that changing [the current situation] before Aston Villa,” Howe admitted.

Read on: Aston Villa’s stance on midfielder revealed following Everton and Newcastle transfer approaches.