Eddie Howe says Newcastle United will make a decision on Friday on Alexander Isak’s availability ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham.
The striker was forced off during last weekend’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers after going down injured, clutching his face. He was substituted at half time and replaced by Harvey Barnes in one of three changes made by Howe for the second half of Newcastle’s 2-1 win. Speaking after the match, the Newcastle head coach had expressed hope that the injury wasn’t too serious.
Howe explained doubts over Isak’s availability were due to a combination of the facial injury and a knock to his foot.
“I’ll find out more today,” Howe said. “It was a strange one with his eye, the ball just grazed it. We felt at the time that was the main reason for him coming off the pitch. He took a knock to his foot as well and it’s a combination of the two. We’ll make a decision today.”
Isak’s injury leaves Newcastle light on forward options as Callum Wilson remains absent with a back injury that has ruled him out of the start of the season. Howe said it is hoped the striker can return to full training by October’s international break.
“Callum won’t make the game,” Howe added. “We’re looking and hoping to have him back in full training for the international break, to be ready hopefully for the games afterwards.
“That leaves Anthony (Gordon), who did a great job, and Will Osula, who hasn’t played yet but who has made great progress and has all the tools. With Will, he’s someone we do like and it’s a big move for him. We’ve begun the process of developing his games and smoothing out some areas of his game, and he’s learning what we want from him.”
Midfielder Lewis Miley has not returned to full training and remains “a long way off” having also missed the beginning of the campaign with a foot injury.
“Lewis Miley is still a long way off,” Howe said. “He’s back on the grass but he’s not back with us. We’ve not got anything fresh apart from Alex.”
Newcastle sit third in the Premier League after four games and, with Arsenal and Manchester City not playing until Sunday, can go top of the table with victory over Fulham.
GO DEEPER
Barnes, Gordon and Newcastle’s left-wing dilemma
(George Wood/Getty Images)
