Newcastle has 3 players missing for Liverpool amid nervous Alexander Isak wait

Newcastle United will be sweating on the fitness of Alexander Isak ahead of Liverpool’s trip to St James’ Park tomorrow.

The Reds head to the north-east aiming to strengthen its hold at the summit of the Premier League. Arne Slot’s side went nine points clear thanks to Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, while also holding an 11-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s team.

Liverpool will have to travel to Newcastle without some big names though, as Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are all missing out through injury, while there are still doubts over Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa’s fitness.

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That leaves the Reds with severely reduced options in defense in particular, although those remaining in the backline might avoid having to deal with one of Newcastle’s biggest threats.

Isak looks to be a major doubt after being withdrawn early against Crystal Palace at the weekend. The striker played down fears when he spoke after the game, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sounded a much more cautious note when speaking on Tuesday.

"Alex took a knock to his hip. We haven't seen him in training yet, but we don't think it's a long-term injury," Howe said.

The Magpies look set to be without long-term absentees Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Sven Botman, although Dan Burn is set to feature despite a recent ankle problem.

"Dan got through the game well,” Howe said. “When he got suspended, we used that as an opportunity to look after his ankle and get himself fit. He was outstanding against Crystal Palace, and he came through the game okay."

Newcastle has struggled somewhat this season, with Howe’s side currently sitting 11th in the table. Only Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Southampton have scored fewer than the Magpies’ 14 goals so far this season.

Despite that, Howe was in a defiant mood as he addressed concerns over his side’s attacking capabilities at his press conference: "No. No for me attacking is fundamental. It is your aim of the game. You are giving your players a purpose.

"We will always look to attack. I make no apologies for that. I would rather not be in a job than not fulfil that promise to the supporters. We want to entertain ultimately.

"We want to play attacking football that ultimately the fans want to see. I know we are not delivering that at the moment and that is a frustration, we are not going to drop that we just have to become better than that."

""I think we're always confident at home. I think regardless of the opponent, we have to be our best selves and we have to learn lessons from previous games and find ways to evolve and improve.”