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

Newcastle United have been handed a major fitness boost for their Carabao Cup final with Liverpool as Alexander Isak returns against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Isak was a doubt for the FA Cup tie at St James' Park after suffering a groin problem this week but after sitting out Wednesday night's trip to Anfield, the Sweden striker is back in the team for the fifth-round tie this afternoon.

Isak missed Wednesday's dress rehearsal at Anfield as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but the call was a late one by manager Eddie Howe, with the striker travelling down for the match before the decision was made.

That had led to suggestions the former Real Sociedad star might be forced to sit out the Wembley showpiece against Liverpool on March 16 as the Reds attempt to secure the League Cup for an 11th time and retain the trophy they lifted last year.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe said of Isak: "We'll see today.

I haven't seen him since the game, so we'll see how he is today and have a discussion with him, I'm sure.

We don't think it's a long-term problem.

"In part, obviously, there was no risk taken on Wednesday, and there can't be at this stage of the season.

But we'll see how he is today."

Callum Wilson made his first start of the season in place of Isak on Wednesday but was unable to break through against the Reds' backline as they secured the points that took them 13 clear at the Premier League's summit.

Midfielder Joelinton, who is one of six changes, also returns to action after missing around a month of action, handing the Magpies a further boost ahead of the Cup final against Arne Slot's men.


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