Newcastle make emergency Alexander Isak decision as club hit with striker crisis

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has dismissed the possibility of deploying Joelinton as an emergency striker - despite the attacking crisis engulfing St James' Park while Alexanxder Isak trains alone. The Brazilian was unveiled to supporters back in 2019 as a No 9 and thrust into the spotlight as a frontman following a £40million switch from Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

Since then, club insiders have acknowledged that forcing Joelinton into the spotlight, having spent periods of his career operating wide in Germany, was a mistake. Howe swiftly addressed Joelinton's struggles at Newcastle by converting him into a midfielder and the player has flourished ever since.

Nevertheless, despite facing an attacking crisis with Isak refusing to feature, William Osula enduring a disappointing pre-season and Callum Wilson departing the club, Howe will not request Joelinton to revert to his former position.

Howe, who is expected to deploy Anthony Gordon as a striker, said: "I would be reluctant to take Joe away from his now preferred position. I don't think I will be reinventing him the other way again.

"I just think we have to utilise his strengths and his strengths are key for the team. When he plays well, the team invariably plays well too.

"So his ball-winning ability and his physicality in midfield, we need him there."

Another significant headache for Howe to consider will be who features at the heart of defence with Malick Thiaw now available following his £35million transfer from AC Milan, Fabian Schar in the running and Dan Burn also fit and eager to feature alongside the recovered Sven Botman. Howe also welcomes back club captain Jamaal Lascelles after a lengthy knee problem.

Many supporters would love to see Botman and Thiaw in action, but the head coach gave a clue about his team selection before the trip to Villa Park.

Howe revealed: "That was the plan with Sven. We have to be careful with him, he picked up a slight groin issue but he's back now.

"He trained on Friday then got through 45 minutes on Saturday and I was delighted with him."