ALEXANDER Isak is set to return to training today, with Eddie Howe hopeful the striker is fit to return for tomorrow's game against Wolves.

The striker was replaced late in the second half of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Arsenal with a slight hamstring complaint and was rested for the weekend FA Cup victory over Bromley.

Isak will train for the first time today, and Howe is hopeful the striker is ready to start as the Magpies look to extend their winning run on Wednesday night.

But one player who won't be involved is Harvey Barnes, who has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury.

Barnes was replaced at half-time against Bromley and scans confirmed the damage. It's another blow for the winger, who has struggled for momentum this season.

Howe said: "Harvey will be missing for a period of time, I don't think it's a serious injury, but it will be enough to keep him out for a few weeks, I think we're probably looking around a month, don't hold me to that, but that's sort of the early assessment.

“He's had a scan, as I say it's not too bad, but it will be enough to keep him out, he'll definitely miss the upcoming game.

“It's an injury to his thigh, a muscle in his thigh, he did it crossing a ball just towards the end of the first half, he felt he could carry on until half-time, but then it became apparent at half-time that he couldn't come out for the second half.” 

Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Sven Botman were all rested against Bromley and will be assessed.

Howe said: "We'll have a look at them again today. They were left out with genuine reasons, all different things, but nothing major we hope. So minor problems that we needed to settle down. Fingers crossed, they'll be there or thereabouts."

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Isak is chasing a Newcastle club record of scoring in eight successive games, but Howe won't take any risks.

He said: "We have to be careful of course. That's why I did what I did against Arsenal. He is such a valuable player. Fingers crossed he will be fine and take his place in the team.

"He'll be desperate to play, of course.

"Those runs I'm not really too focused on and I'm not too interested in but I understand the individuals will care deeply about them. I'd love Alex to continue to score.

"I think the most important thing for me is that the team is functioning well for him and he's functioning well for the team. The two things go hand in hand together.

"We have looked like scoring goals recently, that's such a big thing for our confidence levels. He's played a big part in that, hopefully that continues."