Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side are not a ‘one-man team’ and hopes that star striker Alexander Isak will be fit to return soon.
The Swedish forward has scored 21 times this season but missed the defeat at Liverpool in midweek with a groin problem.
Callum Wilson started in his place but the Magpies looked understandably short of firepower at Anfield.
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Howe says Isak could play against Brighton in the FA Cup this weekend, however, and will start when fit in the run up to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool next month.
Howe said: “We recognise Alex [Isak’s] strengths and his abilities. I don’t think we are a one-man team, I will never classify us in that bracket but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need.
“We have other ways of playing and other players’ skill-sets to utilise. I thought there was a lot of good in our performance against Liverpool but we didn’t hurt them enough around their box for sure.
“There is always a risk with any player but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness. We will see how he is today and if he is fit, he will play.
“I think with Alex, it is pretty clear for me, if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final then he will play and we have to have that mindset with all of our players.”
‘We want to make our team stronger’
Newcastle did not make any major signings in January and continue to see their players linked with moves away from the club.
Full-back Tino Livramento is the latest to be mentioned with a move to Manchester City and Howe says the reports are frustrating.
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He said: “I think it goes without saying, it is frustrating for us that we are constantly talking about players and rumours of them leaving.
“We want to go the other way, we want to go the other way and strengthen the group. We want to make our team and squad stronger for the future rather than lose our best players.”
Newcastle last won the FA Cup in 1955.
