Newcastle United continue to skate on thin ice when it comes to the risk of suspensions - with two stars in danger of a ban in the next few days.

Both Blyth lad Dan Burn and Brazil international Joelinton must negotiate the next two Premier League games and avoid a caution or face a two match suspension. The cut off point for collecting 10 yellow cards and being served the two game stint in the sin bin disappears after the Man United game on Sunday and then Crystal Palace in midweek.

Howe was in a position to withdraw Joelinton from danger in the 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Monday night. Speaking about the need to take the South American star off, Howe said: "Recognising the fact that Joelinton's on nine yellows and we need to make sure that he's available for the next game if we can."

But Joelinton will be free to face the Red Devils on Sunday and Howe has spoken about the need to keep other stars feeling knocks and niggles fresh, telling Chronicle Live: "A clean bill of health is important."

The backroom team nursed Isak through 72 minutes against the Foxes and did not risk his groin niggle any longer. The Sweden international suffered a groin pull in the warm-up against Brentford last week and did not look at his sharpest in the win at the King Power Stadium.

Offering more detail on Isak, Howe said: "Alex has had this groin problem, he's 100% fit and didn't feel it during the game but still it was a good chance to make sure he's ready for the next game, it's very rare you're in a position to be able to do that."