NEWCASTLE are desperately hoping for Home Office clearance to play new striker signing Alexander Isak at Liverpool on Wednesday.
While Toon chiefs have registered the £63million club record Swedish frontman, boss Eddie Howe cannot select him until he has received his work permit after arriving from Real Sociedad.
But with the majority of civil service staff off for today’s bank holiday, it leaves only a tiny window for Howe to get the green light.
Prem rules say that players must have all paperwork approved and lodged with the FA by noon on the last working day before a match.
That means Newcastle effectively have just a three-hour period between 9am and midday on Tuesday to get clearance to allow Isak to feature at Anfield.
It is understood that Newcastle have asked for a “priority appointment” for Isak but while the FA will do everything to complete his registration, the final decision rests with the Home Office timetable.
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Isak was in attendance at Molineux on Sunday but had to watch on from the stands as his new side grabbed a last-minute point at Wolves thanks to Allan Saint-Maximin’s pearler.
The 1-1 draw means Toon remain unbeaten but Howe will be desperate to have Isak available with Callum Wilson missing through injury.
Isak is also eager to get underway after revealing his delight at signing for the Magpies.
He said after joining: “I’m delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.
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“It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans.
“They were a big part of why I came here – and also the club’s project, which is one that I really believe in.
“You always want to go into a team and know how they play.
“I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
