Newcastle United Injury Update: Eddie Howe Provides Update on Alexander Isak Ahead of Wolves Trip
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on star striker Alexander Isak ahead of their trip to Wolves this Saturday. Isak, who has been carrying a few knocks and niggles this season, went down clutching his leg after just a quarter of an hour during Newcastle’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
After some treatment from the physio, Isak motioned that he was unable to continue and Callum Wilson was brought on to replace him in the 15th minute. Isak was also forced to withdraw from Sweden’s squad for the recent international break due to a groin problem and was only fit enough for a place on the bench in Newcastle’s last top-flight match, coming on for the final 20 minutes in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Howe’s Update on Isak
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s game against Wolves at Molineux this weekend, Magpies boss Howe said: ‘Alex is a groin [problem] which we don’t think is serious. But it’s a recurrence of the groin he suffered when he was playing for Sweden, so we need to assess that. I think he’s having a scan today. We don’t anticipate that’s going to be too bad.’
Murphy’s Injury
Meanwhile, Howe has also provided an injury update on Jacob Murphy, who is set for a longer spell on the sidelines. Murphy landed awkwardly just a few minutes after being subbed on in the second half against Dortmund and he appeared to be in serious discomfort.
‘Jacob’s is totally different, it’s a dislocation of his shoulder,’ Howe added. ‘It’s not clear what we’re going to do. I think he’s going to see a specialist today. You can play with these injuries, or the other side of it, he needs an operation and he’ll be out for some time.’
Isak’s Form This Season
Isak has been in fine form for Newcastle this season, scoring six goals across eight top-flight matches. He has also been instrumental in helping the Magpies to the top of the Premier League table, with Howe’s side currently sitting two points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
The 21-year-old has been a key figure for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad last summer and his absence could be a major blow for the club as they look to maintain their title challenge.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen how long Isak will be out for but Howe will be hoping that it is not too serious and that he can return to action soon. In the meantime, Newcastle will have to make do without him as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.