As despondent away supporters departed Hillsborough on Saturday evening, the post-match conversations were dominated by Eddie Howe's lack of squad depth at Newcastle United. Since then, radio airwaves and social media timelines have been populated with debates regarding who needs to arrive and depart on Tyneside before the month is out.
While the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday was undoubtedly a setback for the Magpies, it did provide one positive in the form of Alexander Isak's return. The Swede, 23, started from the outset and put himself about as he belatedly thrust himself back into the Newcastle spotlight.
How successful the north east outfit are in the second-half of the season will fall on his shoulders. With Chris Wood failing to fire and Callum Wilson trying to re-find the form he showed before the World Cup, there is a big need for Isak to stay fully fit and hit the ground running as he aims to finally get his Newcastle career off the ground.
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Howe plans to use Isak in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday as his side are offered the chance to put Saturday's FA Cup exit behind them. "He’s getting closer," the Newcastle boss admitted after the Sheffield Wednesday defeat.
"Hopefully Saturday will do him good and he’ll be involved. We want him fit and available as quickly as possible. I felt that 45 minutes was his maximum on Saturday."
The former Real Sociedad man had his chances on Saturday but failed to find the net before being withdrawn at the interval as a precautionary measure. Isak has already vowed to start finding the net again as he enjoys more minutes on the pitch.
When asked about building back up to full fitness and getting sharp again, Isak told Chronicle Live: "I think the sharpness will help. These are chances I'd usually score. That is football, today the ball wouldn't go in. And hopefully I will get more chances on Tuesday against Leicester."
The speculation and debate will rage on regarding Newcastle's transfer needs this month. There is arguments the club need another midfielder, either to sit or support the attack, and calls are growing for added defence cover.
But Isak's timely return takes a big burden off Howe's shoulders in the push for cup glory and a European finish.
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