Eddie Howe dismisses long-running Alexander Isak question as Newcastle boss lifts lid on training ground ‘myth’ following knock against Brentford
Eddie Howe says the notion of Alexander Isak being injury-prone is nonsense – and he should know, given his own fitness issues as a player.
The striker is currently nursing a groin problem that flared up in the warm-up ahead of Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Brentford, in which he scored his 20th league goal of the season. However, only Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn have started more top-flight games this term.
Isak’s early months at St James’ Park were plagued by injury following his arrival as a £63million club-record signing in 2022. Since then, his availability has improved season on season, and he is now the only Newcastle player to net 20 times in consecutive Premier League campaigns.
Howe recognises this and has hit back at the suggestion of his star player being susceptible to injury.
‘Speaking on my behalf, as a very injury-prone player, if you look at my record, that’s injury-prone!’ said the Newcastle boss.
‘Alex certainly isn’t. He’s had issues with a groin problem that tends to rear its head every now and again. It came to the fore just before we played Liverpool (in February) but, with rest, he was fine and good to go and played really well in the cup final last month.
Eddie Howe has hit back at the suggestion of Alexander Isak being susceptible to injury
Howe says he know what injury prone looks like given his own fitness issues as a player
Isak’s groin issue flared up in the warm-up ahead of scoring in the Magpies win over Brentford
‘For whatever reason, it did just resurface before Brentford. It’s a very minor problem that will go away quite quickly.’
Howe and his staff have worked with Isak to improve his robustness and the head coach now considers the player among his most reliable.
‘He is very professional, I have to say that,’ said Howe. ‘He has a physio that he uses in conjunction with the football club who he’ll fly in and fly out, but we certainly back that. We’ve got good relationships with the people that try and look after him.
‘Of course, we have our own staff here who he is very close with. It is about building those relationships and that trust, so that he knows we’re doing the right work for him and his body.
‘Then, of course, Alex has to be professional in the times when we don’t see him. He has to look after himself and dedicate himself to football. It is the only way he is going to get to the absolute top and maximise his career. There is loads more to come from him, and I believe that with every player. If I didn’t, then I’d be the wrong coach for him.’
Howe added: ‘There is a myth that, if you train lightly and don’t do too much with them, then everyone will be fit for the Saturday. It’s actually the opposite – you have to work your players and build up their robustness.
‘So, when the game comes, they are able to execute what they need to and they can do it with no problems. It’s getting them on the training ground consistently. The players who miss training regularly, they become the problem players.
‘Alex has been a regular trainer. He’s been there and done the work and trained very well. That has been reflected in his performances.’
