Alexander Isak STARTS for Newcastle in their FA Cup tie against Brighton after overcoming groin injury – as Eddie Howe reveals his fitness level

Eddie Howe has provided the injury update Newcastle were hoping for as Alexander Isak returned to the starting lineup for today’s FA Cup clash against Brighton.

Isak was forced to miss Newcastle’s midweek trip to Liverpool due to a groin injury, sparking fears that the Magpies’ top scorer could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The impact of Isak’s absence was clear to see, with a lack of firepower up top playing its part in a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

With a Carabao Cup final against the same opposition just two weeks away, Newcastle were praying that the Swede’s injury would be a minor one.

And in a major boost for the club’s hopes of silverware, Howe has given an overwhelmingly positive update on Isak’s fitness level amid his return to the fold.

‘He’s in,’ Howe told ITV. He’s fully fit, he’s recovered, and we’re delighted he’s back. 

Alexander Isak returned to Newcastle’s starting lineup after missing the 2-0 loss to Liverpool

Newcastle’s top scorer has been at the heart of their push for Champions League this season

‘He’s been a pivotal figure for us, he’s led the line really well and scored a number of goals. We’re delighted he’s ready for the game.’

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler also spoke on Isak’s return – a blow for the Seagulls which will surely pose a much greater threat to their FA Cup ambitions.

‘We can’t influence it,’ he said. ‘It’s a decision for our opponent. 

‘We prepared for both options with and without Isak. He’s a key player for them.’ 

Isak has picked up right where he left off in the contest, thundering home a sensational spot-kick to break the deadlock inside 22 minutes.

The penalty was conceded by former Newcastle boy Yankuba Minteh, who was sold in the summer to comply with PSR. 

That goal, while his first in the FA Cup, takes him to 22 for the season – with 19 coming in the Premier League and two being scored in the Carabao Cup.

The 25-year-old then fired in a stunning second, only to be denied by linesman’s flag, assisted by the inaugural implementation of semi-automated offsides for the FA Cup’s fifth round.

Isak picked up where he left off and fired in an unstoppable penalty to open the scoring

Joelinton also made his anticipated return from injury against Brighton, starting in midfield

Isak wasn’t the only notable return to Newcaste’s starting XI, with Joelinton also coming back into the side after a spell on the treatment table.

Howe added: ‘He’s looking good. He’s trained and done a lot of work. He’s the ultimate professional in terms of his recovery from his injuries. 

‘He adds a physical strength that I think we’ve been missing in recent weeks. I don’t think he’ll play through the whole game but he’ll certainly get through a number of minutes.’