Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is “close” to making his comeback from a groin injury, according to the Daily Mail.

The English tabloid claims that the Swedish international has an “outside chance” of making the matchday squad for the game against Bournemouth this weekend.

However, even if he doesn’t return on Saturday, it seems likely that he will be available for the Magpies’s subsequent fixture versus Arsenal.

Isak hasn’t played since the end of last month, having been forced off before half-time during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

Howe will be delighted to have Isak back fit

Eddie Howe’s side haven’t exactly been short of goals since Isak’s injury, having scored four against Luton Town and three versus Nottingham Forest during the forward’s absence.

However, the 24-year-old has been in excellent form this campaign, having hit the back of the net 14 times in 25 appearances. His availability will undoubtedly boost Newcastle’s chances of securing results in upcoming fixtures.

Newcastle will have to rely on Isak pretty heavily for the rest of the season

The Swede’s return to fitness is pretty timely as it has just been confirmed that fellow striker Callum Wilson will be sidelined for up to three months with a pectoral tendon injury.

It is believed that the England international will have an operation and he won’t be back in contention until some point in May.

With Isak the only other out-and-out striker in the squad, Howe will be hoping that his No.14 can stay injury-free for the remaining fixtures this campaign.

In addition to Wilson, six other first-team players remain on the treatment table, including Joe Willock (Achilles), Jacob Murphy (calf), Joelinton (thigh), Nick Pope (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back) and Matt Targett (thigh).

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here