Latest Newcastle injury news for Man City amid Alexander Isak update as Anthony Gordon plan hatched

Newcastle United face a nervous wait over the fitness of star forward Alexander Isak ahead of their clash with Manchester City, this Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side go to St James' Park looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season, while the Magpies look to bounce back after picking up their first defeat of the campaign in a humbling loss away at Fulham, last weekend.

Eddie Howe's men sit sixth in the Premier League and a win over the Premier League champions, which would be their first since September 2023, could see them move second ahead of the weekend fixtures. However, they could be forced to field a squad without their star forward.

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The Newcastle boss admitted that Isak is still nursing a toe injury, despite playing the entirety of their 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. He said: "We don’t have anyone coming back that has been out. Matt (Targett) has had a flare-up of eczema so he's been nursing that over the last couple of weeks.

"We are hoping to get him back training today but he won’t be involved in the game (against Man City). In terms of fresh injuries, Alex (Isak) is still nursing his toe injury and will be a doubt for tomorrow. He hasn’t trained yet so we will have to make a decision on him."

The 25-year-old has scored once in his opening five outings this term, adding one assist. Isak's absence would be felt for the hosts after scoring twice in his last five encounters with the North West club.

The Sweden international was on target in the 3-2 home defeat last season with his only other contribution in the Carabao Cup win, last September. Anthony Gordon is 'on standby' to play up front for Newcastle instead of his usual role on the wing, according to The Independent's Mark Douglas, as Howe hatches a plan to cope without Isak's likely absence.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have depleted options at the back with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles injured. Callum Wilson and Lewis Miley also miss out through lower back and foot injuries, respectively.