Newcastle United are sweating over the fitness of star striker Alexander Isak ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Isak was forced off at half time in last weekend's 2-1 comeback victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers after sustaining an eye injury, and Howe has since revealed that the Swede is also nursing a foot injury, with a late call to be made on his availability this weekend.
Fellow striker Callum Wilson (back) has been ruled out until the next international break in mid-October and is one of four Newcastle players in the treatment room along with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) and Lewis Miley (ankle).
The potential absence of Isak could see summer signing Will Osula handed a start up front, while Howe may also consider using Anthony Gordon as a central striker after he played down the middle in the second half versus Wolves.
Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff have all started each of Newcastle's first four Premier League games in midfield, but now that Sandro Tonali is back in the fold, Howe may ponder handing the Italy international his first league start of the campaign.
A back four of Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall is expected to remain intact, while winger Harvey Barnes - who scored a stunning winner against Wolves last time out - will be pushing to start on either flank.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
> Click here to see how Fulham could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
