Newcastle United could be without Alexander Isak for their trip to Anfield on Wednesday as they sweat over the international clearance of the forward.
Isak made the move to St James' Park from Real Sociedad for a fee in the region of £60m last week, and despite the deal being signed and sealed, the forward is still awaiting international clearance which would allow him to make his debut for the mega-rich Saudi-backed side.
“I desperately hope so," said Howe when asked about the chances of the former Borussia Dortmund and Sociedad striker receiving the desired paperwork ahead of the Magpies' trip to Anfield. "We are in the hands of other people.
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"There is no guarantee but it is as close as 75 minutes before kick-off so it may go right down to the wire. In training, he has looked good although the sessions have been light.”
Isak is just one of a handful of players Howe could be missing for Wednesday evening's clash, with Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson all looking likely to add to the manager's early-season injury crisis at St James' Park.
"Callum will be working away to get back to fitness," said Howe after Sunday's draw with Wolves. "It’s not a long-term injury. I don’t think it’s going to be too bad. So we’re hopeful to get him back pretty quickly. I don’t think he’ll be fit for Liverpool."
Liverpool will be hoping to continue where they left off when they take to Anfield on Wednesday evening, having put nine past Bournemouth on Saturday and subsequently gained their visit victory of the new campaign after an underwhelming start.
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