- The Swedish striker suffered the injury against Wolves, but played six days later
- He is likely to miss the trip to Everton and the Swedish Nations League matches
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Eddie Howe says Newcastle will likely be without Alexander Isak until after the international break, but last week defended the decision to play the striker with a broken toe.
The Swede suffered the injury a fortnight ago at Wolves, according to Mail Sport, but played at Fulham six days later after receiving a painkilling injection.
Isak reported pain in the area late in the match and was ruled out of Saturday’s 1-1 home draw against Manchester City. He is now likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Everton and Sweden’s Nations League matches against Slovakia and Estonia.
Howe was asked on Monday whether the 25-year-old’s playing at Fulham had aggravated the injury.
“I don’t think that would be the case,” he said. “It was one of those situations where he would be fine if he could tolerate the pain. He tolerated the pain for about 80 minutes before becoming aware of any sensation in that toe.
Eddie Howe (right) says Newcastle are likely to be without Alexander Isak (left) until after the international break after he suffered a toe injury against Wolves a fortnight ago
The Swedish international sustained the injury during Newcastle’s 2-1 away win at Wolves
Isak played in Newcastle’s 3–1 defeat to Fulham six days after the injury
‘The intention was that he would initially be out until probably after the international break, or that he could continue to play normally if he could tolerate the feelings and consequences of the injury. He didn’t succeed, so we’re back to the original diagnosis, I guess.’
Did that mean a return after the international break?
“Maybe,” Howe said. ‘We haven’t ruled him out (from Everton). We’re assessing him more or less on a daily basis because there’s a chance he could be a good fit for Everton if everything falls into place. Of course we have to make a decision.
“Does he play in that match, or do we let him know that things will go well two weeks later?”
For now, summer signing William Osula will make his full debut in the Carabao Cup match at home to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old, who joined from Sheffield United for £10m, has played just seven minutes so far this season but Howe sees potential in the Danish Under-21 striker.
“There is a process that new signings have to go through depending on their respective journeys to get to this point,” the Magpies boss said.
‘With Will we were very aware that we had to work as a coach and that Will would have to work as a player to develop himself, to improve in every area of his game to become a Premier League to become an attacker. We believe he has the qualities to do that.
Isak will be assessed daily, but Howe said he will likely return after the break
Howe defended the decision to play Isak against Fulham while the striker played after receiving a painkilling injection – with the striker ‘able to tolerate the pain for about 80 minutes’
‘He is very, very fast and physically excellent. He is a tall, imposing character and his best feature is that he walks behind us and extends the line in front of us. He needs to iron out some things in his game.
“We have already seen, especially from the battles he has had in training against our centre-backs, that he has the ability to score goals and have a physical impact in the match, which makes it uncomfortable for defenders.
“We work hard with him and he works hard. His attitude was excellent. He comes in every day with a big smile on his face. His career and his game are going in the right direction.’
