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Eddie Howe provides an update on Alexander Isak’s injury after the Newcastle striker played with a broken toe against Fulham last week before missing the draw with Man City

Eddie Howe provides an update on Alexander Isak’s injury after the Newcastle striker played with a broken toe against Fulham last week before missing the draw with Man City

  • 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 games
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By Craig Hope

Published: | Updated:

Eddie Howe says Newcastle are likely to be without Alexander Isak until after the international break – but last week defended the decision to use the striker with a broken toe.

The Swede suffered the injury at Wolves two weeks ago, Mail Sport revealed, but played at Fulham six days later after receiving a painkilling injection.

Isak reported soreness in the area towards the end of the game and was ruled out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City. He is now likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Everton and Sweden’s Nations League games against Slovakia and Estonia.

Howe was asked on Monday whether the 25-year-old’s spell at Fulham had aggravated the injury.

“I don’t think that would be the case,” he said. “It was one of those situations where if he could endure the pain he would be fine. He endured the pain for about 80 minutes before he felt any sensation in his toe.

Eddie Howe defended the decision to use Isak against Fulham

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 two weeks ago

The Sweden international suffered the injury in Newcastle's 2-1 away win at Wolves

The Sweden international suffered the injury in Newcastle’s 2-1 away win at Wolves

Isak played six days after sustaining the injury in Newcastle's 3-1 away defeat at Fulham

Isak played six days after sustaining the injury in Newcastle’s 3-1 away defeat at Fulham

“Either he would probably be out initially until after the international break, or he could carry on playing as normal if he could tolerate the feelings and effects of the injury. “He didn’t manage to do that, so we’re back to the original diagnosis, I think.”

Did that mean a return after the international break?

“Possibly yes,” Howe said. “We haven’t ruled him out (from Everton). “We assess him daily because there is a possibility he could be fit for Everton if everything works out. Then of course we have to make a decision.

“Is he going to play in this game or are we going to leave him knowing he’ll be fine two weeks later?”

For now, summer signing William Osula will make his full debut on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup home game against AFC Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old, who arrived from Sheffield United for £10million, has only played seven minutes so far this season but Howe sees the potential of the Denmark U21 striker.

“There is a process that new signings have to go through depending on their particular journey in how they get to this point,” the Magpies boss said.

“With Will we knew we had to work as a coach and Will as a player to develop and improve every area of ​​his game to become a Premier League striker. “We believe he has the attributes to do that.

Isak will be assessed daily but Howe said he will likely return after the break

Isak will be assessed daily but Howe said he will likely return after the break

Howe defended the decision to use Isak against Fulham as the striker played after receiving a painkilling injection - with the striker able to

Howe defended the decision to use Isak against Fulham as the striker played after receiving a painkilling injection – with the striker able to “endure the pain for around 80 minutes”.

“He’s very, very fast and physically excellent.” He’s a big, imposing character and his greatest asset is running behind and extending the line for us. He needs to smooth out some things in his game.

“We have already seen, certainly from the battles he has had in training against the centre-backs, that he has the ability to score goals and have a physical impact on the game, making it uncomfortable for the 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.”