Is Alexander Isak fit to play for Newcastle this weekend? Eddie Howe confirms striker is struggling with groin problem

Alexander Isak is a doubt for Newcastle as they prepare to welcome Arsenal to St James' Park this weekend. 

The striker pulled out of the Sweden squad over the last international break after struggling with a knee injury during the Magpies’ 2-2 draw with West Ham. 

Isak netted a double during that game but was substituted late on with a knock, raising initial concerns over his fitness. 

He managed to recover in time to start Newcastle's 1-0 Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund but was hooked early after a reoccurrence of the problem.

He didn't play against Wolves last weekend or in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Manchester United.

Isak will be unable to feature for Newcastle against Arsenal.

Speaking before the game, manager Howe revealed the bad news.

"Hopefully he'll be fit for the first game after the international break [Chelsea at home in Gameweek 13]. "He's still got a long way to go before we get to that point."

So Isak will need to recover quickly if he is to be in the Newcastle squad instead of joining plenty of players in the treatment room. 

Harvey Barnes is out long-term while Sven Botman, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy are also injured for lengthy periods of time.

Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali is banned for ten months for his involvement in illegal betting.

Howe only has one first-team striker in Callum Wilson, but Anthony Gordon fulfilled that role against Man United and might have to do so again in at least one of the games before the next international break.