Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak insists he has no injury or fitness concerns after featuring in both of Sweden's recent international fixtures. The forward, 23, started from the outset in the 3-0 defeat to Belgium and the 5-0 win over Azerbaijan in recent days, coming through both matches unscathed.
Newcastle fans held their breath as their club-record signing plied his trade for his country due to his injury issues earlier this season. Isak has started to find his feet in a black and white shirt of late after overcoming multiple thigh problems that saw him on the treatment table during the first-half of the season.
The attacker was asked by Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen about his recovery and current fitness on Monday, replying: "There's no problem. The club knows about it [his recovery] and is a little more satisfied this time."
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Isak failed to find the net in either European qualifier but did see an effort chalked off in Monday's drubbing of Azerbaijan. "It was an important win for the team's confidence. It was also convincing," he added.
"I felt more involved today. I had a few chances and could have done better. But the game still felt pretty good and the rest will come."
Isak has replaced Callum Wilson as Newcastle's out and out striker of late after impressing Eddie Howe since returning to the fold in January. The former Real Sociedad man looks to have adapted to the pace of the Premier League but the Newcastle boss is still reluctant to use his record signing for a full 90 minutes.
Speaking before the international break, Howe told reporters that Isak had recovered well from his early setback on Tyneside but still had work to do when it comes to being fit enough for this current Magpies setup.
"[He's not] fit to play 90 minutes how I want him to play – and how I demand from my players. That’s no slight on him. That’s just him adjusting to the league – and to my style of play.
"So he’s very, very fit. He’s got a little bit more to go to be 90-minute fit for us, but that’s because we demand so much from our players. That’s no slight on him at all.”
Isak is expected to lead the line once again when Newcastle welcome Manchester United to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon.
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