Newcastle United assistant coach Jason Tindall has delivered an update on the fitness of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at St James' Park.
Tindall stepped in to address the media at Friday's press conference in the absence of manager Eddie Howe, who has been dealing with a bout of illness but will hopefully be in the dugout this weekend.
"He's been really poorly in the last couple of days but we've been in daily contact," said Tindall. "We've been speaking three or four times a day so it's not affected any of the preparations. We've still got a couple of days and I'm sure he'll be fine for the weekend.
"It's not very often that's he unable to come to work and it's a bit different (not having him around the training ground) but it's only been a couple of days."
Newcastle are also hopeful to have Gordon available for selection, as the winger has now returned to training since picking up a groin/hip injury on international duty with England last month.
Gordon has now served a three-match suspension and was unable to return from injury for last Monday's 3-0 Premier League victory at Leicester City, but the winger could be fit to return to the matchday squad against Man United.
© Imago
Tindall delivers Gordon, Isak update
"He's had a decent week with the physios," Tindall said on Gordon. "He was back out on the grass for a session yesterday so we'll assess him again today to see how he's responded to that then we'll have to make a late call on whether he's available for Sunday."
Meanwhile, Tindall has also provided a positive update on star striker Isak, who has been battling with a niggling groin issue in recent months.
Following Newcastle's win at Leicester, in which Isak played for 72 minutes, Howe stated that his fitness is no longer a concern, but Tindall has suggested that an assessment remains ongoing.
As quoted by Chronicle Live, Tindall said: "He's trained and he feels fine. One we will assess day by day but we are hoping he is available."
Three players who remain sidelined through injury are Lewis Hall (foot), Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles (both knee), while Joe Willock will also miss Sunday's game due to concussion protocols, but he may be fit to return for a clash with Crystal Palace next Wednesday.
© Imago
Newcastle 'have to be at their best' to qualify for Europe
Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, just one point behind Chelsea in fourth, but they could slip to seventh before facing Man United on Sunday if other results go against them on Saturday.
Sharing his thoughts on the Premier League receiving a fifth Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season, Tindall said: "We're in a position that we would have wanted to be in with eight games remaining. There are a lot of teams fighting for those positions.
"We've got a busy week coming up but the most important thing is the Man United game and making sure we prepare right for that. If we can deliver a performance and get the result we want, it takes us one step closer to where we want to get to."
On the race to qualify for Europe, Tindall added: "Trying to get three points in the Premier League is incredibly difficult and you have to be at your best and at the top of your game. If you're not, and we've experienced ourselves, then you'll get punished.
"With eight games to go, there are a lot of teams fighting for the same as what we are. All we can control is our own performances and what we do. The most important thing is that we approach every game as we have done all season and give the best account of ourselves. Hopefully, that will be enough to achieve our end goal.
Newcastle have won each of their last four games in all competitions, including the EFL Cup final, and they are now looking to complete their first league double over Man United since 1930-31 after winning 2-0 at Old Trafford in December.
Oliver Thomas
