Update on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson's Injuries

Isak has been sidelined for three games due to a broken toe, but he is now back in training and is on track to make a comeback for the Magpies. If he successfully completes Friday's training session without any issues, he will be available for selection in the upcoming matches.

Howe said of the Sweden international: ‘Alex has trained and trained well, he trained at the start of this week and looked good. He will be in contention for the weekend.’

Fellow striker Wilson is yet to feature this season due to back and hamstring problems and is nearing a return, but is unlikely to be risked this weekend.

‘Callum has trained, but we will continue to assess it day-by-day,’ said Howe of the England forward. ‘We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group.

‘When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it is important we make the right call.’

He added: ‘We’re in communicaton every day as I am with all the players at the training ground, I’m hands on with everybody and Callum’s no exception, so great to see him back on the training pitch, it’s given all the players a lift to see him back with the group

‘As I said earlier we just have to manage his reintroduction in the right way.’

Trippier will not play against Brighton or for a few weeks to come as he has suffered a hamstring injury.

Howe said: ‘Kieran has picked up a hamstring problem. It’s probably nothing too serious, but it will keep him out for a few weeks.’

Midfielder Lewis Miley is close to a return, with the manager saying: ‘He has been back training during the break. He has looked really good, looks like he has not been away. It has been great to see. We will re-introduce him at the right time, he will have some competition, he is coming back into a great environment.’

In somewhat surprising news, Howe also confirmed that he had not been contacted by England in their search for a new manager before they appointed Thomas Tuchel.

The Magpies host the Seagulls on Saturday at 3pm.

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