Newcastle United is preparing for a Premier League match against Fulham this weekend, following their victory against Wolves on Sunday.
That victory at Molineux was secured by two remarkable goals from Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar, extending their unbeaten streak this season and propelling Eddie Howe’s side to third position in the Premier League rankings. However, they departed Molineux with a significant concern about Alexander Isak, who was forced off the pitch at halftime.
Isak started as part of a front-three with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, but was substituted at the break after picking up an injury just before the interval. Speaking after the match, Howe revealed that Isak had picked up an eye injury.
“It was more his eye so I’m not 100% sure what the issue was but we knew he had to come off.” Howe said. “Absolutely hope not [serious], he’s such an important player to us.”
Isak’s 21 Premier League goals helped the Magpies finish seventh last season, and while he has only one goal in four appearances this season, his showing for Sweden over the international break demonstrated his enormous talent. Any injury to Isak, especially with Callum Wilson still out, would be a significant blow to Howe’s team.
Ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday, Newcastle United have released photos from first-team training and, worryingly, Isak was not included in any of the pictures. There could be a host of reasons for his omission from these pictures and whilst this does not necessarily mean Isak won’t be fit to face Marco Silva’s side in the capital, it does highlight a growing concern at the top of the pitch.
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As previously stated, Isak’s deputy Wilson is still out with a back injury and is a doubt for Saturday’s encounter, with Howe admitting the striker is behind schedule in terms of recuperation. On Sunday, Gordon was chosen to play up front in Isak’s absence, with Barnes on the left.
Will Osula, however, remained an unused replacement and has yet to appear in a meaningful encounter for the Magpies since joining from Sheffield United.
