Newcastle's Isak has 'chance' to be fit for Everton: Howe

Howe's side know a win at St James' Park would effectively guarantee a top-five finish. Fourth-placed Newcastle, on 66 points, are ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference, with seventh-placed Nottingham Forest a further point behind.

The Magpies are desperate to cap a memorable season by returning to the Champions League after a one-year absence. Howe's men have already ended a 56-year trophy drought by beating Liverpool in the League Cup final, and a lucrative place in Europe's elite club competition would be the icing on the cake.

"Football emotions swing so quickly. In that moment, it will feel like a huge disappointment because we have been in there fighting for two-thirds of the season," Howe said on Friday. "If we miss out it will be a tough one take. We know what we need to do and what we want to do. All our emotions are towards that."

Asked if it was important for Saudi-owned Newcastle to play in the Champions League because of the financial rewards on offer, Howe said: "Everyone talks about finances and I understand why because that is important. "But for us, it's about wanting to play against the best teams in the best competition. To try to win those competitions, that is why you are competing in them."

Newcastle's hopes of beating Everton will be significantly improved if Sweden striker Alexander Isak returns from injury. Isak missed last weekend's defeat at Arsenal with a groin problem, and Howe said he was unsure whether his leading scorer would be fit to face Everton.

"He hasn’t trained with us yet, but he’s made good progress through the week. The next couple of days will be absolutely crucial to his availability. There’s a chance, it’s difficult to give any more than that. Until he trains with us, we can’t know fully how training will place those demands on him. He won’t play if he isn’t physically ready. But he has an opportunity

Joelinton's knee injury will keep him out until the end of the season. "We think he’ll be back for pre-season with no problems," Howe said. Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has a chance of being available for Everton after missing the last two games with a calf injury. “He’s in a similar position to Alex,” Howe said of the defender. “Maybe we’ll see him train tomorrow, let’s wait and see. He has a chance.”