Eddie Howe explains Newcastle injury worry amid early Alexander Isak substitution vs Wolves

Star Newcastle striker Isak was taken off at half time when Newcastle were 1-0 down at Molineux, prompting confusion from both sets of supporters.

Howe has since explained it was an enforced change due to an injury concern, though the two other switches at the break - Sean Longstaff and Joelinton off - were made for tactical reasons.

“It was more his eye,” Howe said of Isak in the post-match press conference. “I wasn’t 100 per cent sure what the issue was but I knew he had to come off. I don’t know the extent,” Howe admitted.

In the end, Newcastle hardly missed the presence of Isak as the away side fought back brilliantly to overturn the 1-0 deficit and run out 2-1 victors at Molineux. A long-range deflected strike from Fabian Schar and a 25-yard screamer from Harvey Barnes earned all three points in what was a scrappy and fairly even encounter.

A third win in four matches sees the Magpies soar up to third in the Premier League standings, below Arsenal on goal difference and just two points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Wolves, meanwhile, are in the relegation zone with just one point earned in their four outings. Gary O’Neil has put the poor form down to the tough fixtures to start the campaign and has promised better results once the outlook becomes a little easier.