Alexander Isak had not kicked a ball at Anfield but he was arguably Newcastle United’s most storied player last night.
As journalists tucked into Chinese food in the plush Liverpool press room with Anfield greats such as John Barnes, Jan Molby and Kenny Dalglish swooping around in the background, there was a major story before a ball had even been kicked. But it was not good news for Newcastle fans as Isak was ruled out of the match due to a groin injury.
And how Newcastle missed him, as the Magpies failed to even register a shot on target with Liverpool not even getting out of second gear. They look like a side that are strolling to their 20th league title.
Can they be beaten at Wembley in the Carabao Cup though? Well in a one-off game there’s always a chance isn’t there?
Or at least there will be if Isak is nursed through to the game and he is on the field to cause Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk more problems than they had last night. The Rolls-Royce centre-back pair casually sauntered through the match untroubled.
Isak can change that at Wembley but will he be available after suffering a groin issue? Howe spoke with hope in his heart as he sat on the stage at Anfield.
As for the man himself, he did not look uncomfortable as he walked through the mixed zone and left Swedish radio journalists, who had travelled over for the game, empty handed. He said: “Sorry I can’t talk because I didn’t play.”
But he was smiling and in good spirits despite the defeat and his enforced omission. He did not look like a man who had been told his season was over.
Howe was not exactly furious compared to his last away game at Man City when Newcastle were thrashed 4-0. Instead he hung his hat on Callum Wilson’s lively hour or so against the Reds.
Again, no shots on target but at least there were openings and at least he skipped past the Liverpool defence a couple of times. Howe reflected: “Callum [Wilson] will always back himself and we back him to take the chances, they’re not easy opportunities. He played well tonight, led the line and played well.”
He could need Wilson again when Brighton come to St James’ Park on Sunday and then against his favorite opponents West Ham. That will give Isak two games to rest up before Wembley potentially.
But the hunch is Isak is fine, and the injury scare that sent shockwaves around the Press room before the game won’t be a factor for Newcastle at Wembley.
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