Newcastle United have received a positive update on the fitness of striker Alexander Isak ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park.
The Sweden international has missed the last two league games with a toe injury, including Newcastle's 0-0 draw with Everton prior to the international break, but Eddie Howe has confirmed that he has "trained well" and is in contention to play against Brighton.
However, Kieran Trippier has been ruled out for "a few weeks" with a hamstring injury, while Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles (both ACL) remain long-term absentees, although the former has recently been pictured in individual training.
Callum Wilson and Lewis Miley, who have both been nursing back issues, will be assessed ahead of kickoff, as will Martin Dubravka (knee) and Matt Targett (lacking match fitness), while Miguel Almiron is also a doubt after returning from international duty in South America on Friday.
In the absence of Trippier, Howe is set to call upon Valentino Livramento to start at right-back and he could join Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and either Lewis Hall or Lloyd Kelly in the back four.
Sandro Tonali has started Newcastle's last two Premier League games and could retain his place in midfield alongside Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, although both Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are also in contention to start.
Anthony Gordon, who missed a penalty against Everton last time out, will likely move out wide and replace either Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy if Isak is deemed fit to start as the central striker.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
> Click here to see how Brighton & Hove Albion could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
