Newcastle United could be given a timely boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. Eddie Howe’s high-flying Magpies travel to Germany for the fourth round of the Champions League after a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Magpies are likely to be without Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy for the match against BVB after both sustained injuries in the win over Arsenal. Burn suffered a back injury while attempting a header, while his Magpies teammate suffered a recurrence of his dislocated shoulder.
Howe is dealing with an injury crisis at St. James’ Park, but had kept Murphy’s condition quiet prior to the game against Mikel Arteta’s side. The Magpies’ manager was taken aback when the winger was named to the bench before coming on as a second-half substitute, only to have his shoulder pop out again.
Nonetheless, Howe could spring another surprise at Dortmund after Alexander Isak was spotted back on the grass ahead of tomorrow night’s game. It remains unclear whether he’ll be part of the travelling contingent to head to Dortmund later today but was pictured with physiotherapist Dave Galley during this morning’s session at the Magpies’ Darsley Park headquarters.
Howe had previously claimed he expects Isak to return to the fold after the November international break, which begins after the Magpies game against Bournemouth on Saturday, November 11. The Newcastle head coach has been known to play a trick or two on the opposition when it comes to his team news and we may see a repeat tomorrow night or this coming Saturday.
The Magpies boss told reporters ahead of the Arsenal game: “Alex, we hope, will be back after the international break.”
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