Newcastle dealt two giant injury worries before Manchester United as Eddie Howe suffers huge blow

Newcastle United are facing a tense wait on the fitness of two crucial players ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester United. Striker Callum Wilson's participation is uncertain after he missed the 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion, not being fully fit for the match at St James' Park.

Manager Eddie Howe is also monitoring the condition of Alexander Isak, who had to be substituted early in the game against Brighton due to illness.

Speaking about the situation, Howe said: "We'll see, we have not seen him [Isak] today. If not we will see him for Brentford."

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He added: "Whenever either one of our two strikers has been missing it has impacted us. For Alex, it was an illness, it's not serious.

"He did not train yesterday hopefully we will see him today. We knew on Friday he was slightly under the weather."

With Kieran Trippier nearing full fitness and expressing his readiness for the Manchester United game, and Nick Pope challenging Martin Dubravka for the goalkeeper spot, Howe faces some tough team selections, reports Chronicle Live.

"I've got decisions to make, I will try to make the right decisions," he said. The return of Fabian Schar from a hamstring injury is another factor for Howe to consider.

Updating on Schar's condition, Howe said added, "He is working his way back, in a mix between training and being with the medical staff. He is making good progress with his hamstring so we will see."

Newcastle are aware that their European dreams could still be alive even if they falter in their final two matches, provided Chelsea and Manchester United also drop points. Howe, when questioned about whether he's been keeping an eye on rivals' results, reflected: "Maybe in my early days I might have been more aware. As you get older you know it's all nonsense.

"You have to control your side of the deal. We need to make sure our players go to Manchester in good spirits. It is a mixture of emotions when you lead the team. It is not dependent on games, you have to deliver for the players and everybody. A few nerves aren't a bad thing. But then it's business time and you hope things come good."