Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may have to wait until 75 minutes before kick-off at Liverpool to learn whether he can hand record signing Alexander Isak a debut.
The 22-year-old Sweden international completed a £58million move from Real Sociedad on Friday, but was unable to make a first appearance for the club in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves because his work permit had not been processed.
As Howe held his pre-match press conference on Tuesday morning, that situation remained unchanged. Asked if Isak would be available, the 44-year-old replied: “We don’t know, we still don’t know and I still don’t know.
I hope so, I desperately hope so. It would be great to see him involved for us, but we’re in the hands still of other people. “We’re desperately hoping that gets done before the game, but there’s no guarantee as I sit here now.” Asked if there was a cut-off point, Howe added: “I think it’s 75 minutes before kick-off.