Eddie Howe says Newcastle star could make surprise return against Liverpool – ‘Looking good’

Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference for the Liverpool game was dominated by the Alexander Isak situation, but the Newcastle manager also had some good news about Joe Willock

Newcastle will be without Alexander Isak once again when they take on Liverpool on Monday, but Joe Willock could return to the side.

The Magpies host the defending Premier League champions at St James’ Park on Monday night in a match that will be dominated by the Isak narrative. The Swedish striker will not be involved as he continues to train by himself in the hope of forcing through a transfer to Liverpool after issuing a statement which accused his employers of breaking promises.

Eddie Howe spent much of his pre-match press conference on Friday discussing the situation surrounding his star striker. “It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly,” he said as the end of the summer transfer window approaches on September 1.

But the Newcastle boss was also able to share some more positive news regarding Willock. The midfielder was stretchered off during a pre-season match in South Korea at the end of July, sparking concerns he could be sidelined for some time.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe drops bombshell and says Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga will end very soonREAD MORE: Liverpool issued Marc Guehi transfer statement as Crystal Palace make feelings clear

But Willock surprised Newcastle fans by featuring in training this week and Howe said he could feature on Monday. “Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Howe said. “Small part on Tuesday, bigger session on Wednesday. He trained really well. Great to see him back so early.

“When he went down in the game [in Korea], I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn’t look good. Credit to him, he’s got back fit and looking good.”

Newcastle drew a blank against 10-man Aston Villa in their opening Premier League match of the season last weekend, with Isak’s absence keenly felt. The club have been working to try and sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, while holding talks with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

They have got one signing through the door since the Villa stalemate, with Jacob Ramsey arriving from their most recent opponents in a £40m deal. He is in line to make his debut against Liverpool and the midfielder’s attacking instincts could be useful.

“He’ll be available,” Howe said. “We’ve still got training sessions to go before the game but he’s in a good place and has looked really impressive in his first couple of days. Really, really good technically, very intelligent and I think he’ll add a lot to the team. He has standout qualities.”

Ramsey could feature off the bench, with the midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton likely to continue. Anthony Gordon was handed the role of deputising for Isak against Villa, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga on the flanks.

“He’s done it enough to do the job really well for the team,” Howe said of Gordon. “I have no issue playing him there, both as a starter and a substitute. He plays differently to other strikers, but that can be a positive.

“He’s got devastating pace, a really good work ethic, and he’s scored goals. I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game.”

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