Newcastle boss Eddie Howe provides update on Nick Pope and Alexander Isak injuries

The Swedish striker was absent for the draw against Manchester City last weekend and the Carabao Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon during the week.

There was hope that the 25-year-old would return for the trip to Goodison Park this weekend, but manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that he will not be back until after the upcoming international break.

Fellow striker Callum Wilson is also not set to return before the international features, with the England international yet to feature this season.

Wilson has a back problem which has kept him sidelined, having picked up the issue in pre-season.

Speaking on Friday, Howe told : ‘We’re still missing some top players that can make a difference, especially at the top end of the pitch, without our two recognised number nines at the moment.

‘He [Isak] won’t make the game tomorrow, but we hope he’ll be back after the international break and we hope the same with Callum.

‘Potentially good news round the corner with those two, they’re such important players for us.’

Nick Pope had been struggling with a knee problem but Howe confirmed that both he and Fabian Schar ‘should be ok’ to play this weekend.

Kieran Trippier is in a similar situation, with Howe saying of the former England defender: ‘Yeah, we hope so.’

Long-term absentees Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined with serious knee injuries.

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