Newcastle confirm Alexander Isak injury blow with striker OUT of Liverpool clash

Newcastle will have to do without star striker Alexander Isak when they face Liverpool tonight.

The in-form Swede, 25, is only behind Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts after plundering 19 goals for the Magpies this season.

But he will play no part in Wednesday night's big match at Anfield due to a groin injury. The club confirmed the news in a post on their X account, which read: "Alexander Isak misses out through a slight groin problem this evening."

Callum Wilson will deputise for Isak against Liverpool, who could increase their 11-point advantage over Arsenal if they are able to beat the Magpies and Mikel Arteta's men slip up again in their match with Nottingham Forest.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Totten ham and England winger Aaron Lennon admitted the absence of Isak would be a major blow for Eddie Howe's team.

He said: "It is massive news. I had not heard anything leading up to this game. I still fancy Liverpool, taking Isak out of this game and I fancy Liverpool even more."

Isak is not the only big name who will be forced to watch on from afar as Newcastle and Liverpool slug it out at Anfield with Reds head coach, Arne Slot, serving the first of a two-match touchline ban.

The FA confirmed his punishment in a statement on Wednesday, which read: "Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have been charged following the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday, 12 February.

"It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle.

"The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.

"It is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.

"Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have until next Wednesday, 19 February, to provide their respective responses."

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