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

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Alexander Isak’s fitness has been a recurring concern for Newcastle in recent weeks, beginning with his absence from the team’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Liverpool on February 27.

The forward was feeling discomfort in his groin when preparing for that match, forcing manager Eddie Howe to make a late decision about his participation.

Following the Liverpool defeat, Isak made his return in Newcastle’s FA Cup match against Brighton but encountered further physical issues.

The 25-year-old had to be substituted before extra time due to muscle tightness, raising fresh concerns about his long-term availability for the upcoming cup final.

Despite these setbacks, Isak has since demonstrated his recovery by starting and scoring the winning goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday night.

This performance provided strong evidence of his readiness for Sunday’s final.

And now speaking ahead of the Wembley clash, Isak himself has dismissed concerns about his fitness, suggesting that his condition had been exaggerated in media reports:

“I have not been injured I have just had a bit of tiredness.

I have ambitions to achieve in my career and be the best version of myself.”

Intriguingly, Isak’s current status as Newcastle’s undisputed first-choice striker represents a significant change from the club’s previous cup final appearance?

When Newcastle faced Manchester United in the 2023 Carabao Cup final, Isak was named among the substitutes, with Callum Wilson leading the line in a 2-0 defeat.

Two years later, as Isak prepares to make his 100th appearance for Newcastle at Wembley, it’s unthinkable that Alexander Isak would not be included in Newcastle’s starting lineup for Sunday’s match at Wembley.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.