Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe has declared Alexander Isak "very motivated" to score in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool having played just 45 minutes two years ago when the Magpies lost to Manchester United at Wembley.

Isak is Newcastle's top scorer with 19 goals this season but has suffered from injury problems in recent weeks after picking up muscle tightness.

The Swede was a surprise absence from Howe's squad for Newcastle's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last month.

However he is expected to line-up for the Magpies when they host West Ham United on Monday evening and should he come through that game unscathed, Howe says he's desperate to hurt Liverpool at Wembley.

READ MORE:Darwin Nunez truth clear after chants, arguments and Liverpool transfer decisionREAD MORE:Liverpool sweat on Cody Gakpo injury as Arne Slot wrestles with two major decisions

Newcastle will be without key winger Anthony Gordon at Wembley after the former Everton man was sent off during their FA Cup defeat at home to Brighton.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Howe said: "He is very very motivated to score.

That is one of the things that is so good about him, the same with Callum Wilson.

"They’ve got that desire to score in every moment, in every training session.

Goalscorers have that mentality and he’s got it, so hopefully he is able to take his place on the pitch and do that."

Asked if Isak would start against West Ham, Howe added: "Fingers crossed, yeah.

As I said, if he is fit, he will play because that is the best way to get him in the best physical condition for future games.

"Footballers are finely tuned athletes and when they are ready to play they have to play.

I understand the intense sort of speculation and spotlight on him but the best thing we can do is just relax and let him play his football."


For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.