Isak’s back to boost Howe’s options

ALEXANDER ISAK is ready to return to Newcastle’s squad for the trip to Arsenal – as fellow striker Callum Wilson targets an early comeback.

Sweden international Isak is fit again after his latest groin injury, suffered in the win at Aston Villa in January, and boss Eddie Howe insists the £54million star IS robust enough for the top flight.

Newcastle have not scored away to Arsenal in their last eight games – 12 hours of football. Their last goal there was in December 2014 when Ayoze Perez got a consolation in a 4-1 defeat.

Isak (above) has 15 goals in 27 games in a season interrupted by injury and Howe faces a decision on whether to use him at the start or off the bench.

Ex-arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has also been involved in training this week and is close after his Achilles injury. “He’s knocking on the door, very close, looking good and feeling much better,” said Howe.

On Isak, Howe added: “I don’t think it’s a case of Alex not being robust enough. He’s an incredible athlete, actually, and we’re very lucky to have him.

“He’s had a period where he picked up a very similar injury to his groin, the third time he’s had the injury in a similar area.

“He has played a lot of games, 90 minutes off the back of not a lot of training time because we were forced to do that, so there are reasons behind that.”

Wilson (inset) had an operation on his pectoral muscle last Friday and has returned to training in the gym in a bid for an early return.

He has been ruled out officially for the next eight weeks, but has set his own goal of making an impact at the end of the season.

Newcastle are in need of a shock result at the Emirates after slipping to eighth in the Premier League table, with European qualification now looking a battle.

They are seven points adrift of a Europa League place and 12 points behind the top four.