The Magpies are back in Premier League action following the international break, looking to leapfrog the Seagulls with a victory which would lift them into the top six.

Swedish forward Isak has been sidelined since the defeat at Fulham almost a month ago but head coach Howe says he could be in line to return to the United squad for the clash with Fabian Hürzeler's men at St. James' Park.

Howe spoke with the media ahead of the game on Friday morning. Here are some of the main topics that were up for discussion:

On Isak, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier's availability...

"Alex has trained and trained well - he trained at the start of this week and looked good. He will be in contention for the weekend.

"Callum has also trained, but with Callum we will continue to assess it day-by-day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group. When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it's important we make the right call.

"Kieran has picked up a hamstring problem, probably nothing too serious, but it will keep him out for a few weeks."

On Brighton...

"Brighton are a difficult opponent - I think they have been historically for us. We have won some, but we have lost some.

"They are very progressive, very attacking. I think it will be a good game between two very open teams."

On being back in action after the international break...

"It was a good break. We gave them some time off at the start of the week and then trained hard. We have worked on quite a lot.

"Everyone has come back in a good place. The only one we haven't seen back is Miggy (Almirón), he flew back into the country yesterday."

On the Magpies' upcoming run of games...

"There are some tough games in there, great challenges for us, (in) the group of games we have to come - three at home and some tough away games.

"We haven't hit top gear, but we have been resilient and hard to beat, but we do need to find our best form to get some good results from these matches."

On Lewis Miley's ongoing rehabilitation from injury...

"Lewis has been back training during the break. He has looked really good - he looks like he has not been away. It has been great to see.

"We will re-introduce him at the right time. He will have some competition, he is coming back into a great environment."