Newcastle in race against time to have Isak available for Liverpool game

Sweden striker Isak, signed for a reported $68 million from Real Sociedad, was unable to make his debut at Wolves on Sunday because his work permit had not been processed.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was not allowed to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on August 28, 2022, because his work permit had not been processed. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is "desperately hoping" club record signing Alexander Isak is available for Wednesday's Premier League away match against Liverpool.

Sweden striker Isak, signed for a reported $68 million from Real Sociedad, was unable to make his debut at Wolves on Sunday because his work permit had not been processed.

Newcastle is still awaiting the documentation.

Asked on Tuesday if Isak would be available at Anfield, Howe replied: "We don't know, we still don't know and I still don't know. I hope so, I desperately hope so.

"It would be great to see him involved for us, but we're in the hands still of other people.

"We're desperately hoping that gets done before the game, but there's no guarantee as I sit here now."

Howe said he believed the cut-off point was quite late: "I think it's 75 minutes before kick-off.

"We don't know, so it could go down to the wire. We'll wait and see."