Howe to rest star striker Isak in Toon’s cup tie

National World - LocalTV

Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that he will rest Alexander Isak against Bromley in the FA Cup Third Round. Daniel Wales reports.

Transcript

00:00A tech spook away performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night has given Newcastle

00:06United the perfect opportunity to reach the final of this season's Carabao Cup.

00:11The 2-0 win highlighted the significant progress that the Magpies have made in the last month

00:16in terms of both performances and overall form.

00:22Having gone 2-0 up early in the second half, Howe elected to dig in for the result and

00:27that has given them the advantage heading into the second leg in February.

00:30With that challenge accomplished, an encounter in the FA Cup is next for Eddie Howe's side

00:35as they welcome Bromley to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon.

00:40Ahead of the game, Howe confirmed that in-form striker Alexander Isak would not feature in

00:46the match to give him the opportunity to rest and recover from muscle tightness picked up

00:50during the win at the Emirates, and instead will give opportunities to some of the squad's

00:56fringe players to shine at St James' Park.

01:01It was always in Howe's plans to rotate in this fixture.

01:03He made clear, stating that players who are currently desperate to play and showcase their

01:07qualities will get their chance this weekend, but tempered caution, making clear that progressing

01:12in the FA Cup is a must despite the different players getting their chance in the starting

01:17XI.

01:19Howe added that Isak was supposed to feature in some way against Bromley, but now will

01:25spend time with a physio to make sure he's in the best possible condition for Premier

01:29League fixtures against Wolves and Bournemouth to come next week, both of which are also

01:33at St James' Park on Wednesday and then Saturday.

01:40The other big talking point was the future of Martin Dabravka, who has been linked to

01:44a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabaab in the last week.

01:48Following the win against Arsenal, Dabravka appeared to say a tearful goodbye to the travelling

01:52Newcastle fans, but Howe is still keen to keep the Slovakian shot-stopper on Tyneside.

01:59Howe stated that Dabravka has been in a difficult position due to his contract expiring in the

02:04summer, adding that he will want clarity over his future.

02:08Dabravka, however, has been instrumental in Newcastle's recent upturn in form, since he

02:13has deputised for the injured Nick Pope in goal, hence Howe's reluctance to let him leave.

02:20Howe is certainly hoping for an agreement to be reached with Dabravka, with Nick Pope

02:25not yet ready to return to action.

02:27Howe outlined that Pope is not far away, but has not yet trained with the group, instead

02:32only participating in one-on-one drills, with his knee not yet strong enough to play in

02:36competitive fixtures.

02:41Also on the injury front, Howe spoke on Callum Wilson, who he said was making good progress

02:46in his return from another setback.

02:48Howe revealed that Wilson was back training on grass, and the coaches have been pleased

02:53with his recovery.

02:54Howe said that they are hoping to see him back in contention by February.

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