Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been sent back to Tyneside after he pulled out of the Sweden international squad with an injury.

The Swede was brought off in Sunday’s game against West Ham United, in which he had already scored two goals – while he only suffered a knock, it was enough to force him out of international duty.

Previously, manager Eddie Howe held out hope on Isak’s fitness, saying: “Fingers crossed [Alexander Isak] is ok.”

Isak is Newcastle’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, with seven strikes over the course of ten appearances under his belt thus far.

What has been said regarding Alexander Isak’s injury condition?

An official statement from the Swedish FA reads: “Alexander Isak leaves the men’s national team’s European Championship qualifying squad.

“The Newcastle striker came to the gathering with an injury report from Sunday’s match against West Ham and underwent an examination by the Swedish national team’s medical team on Monday.

“After that, it is clear that Alexander Isak is not available for games next week and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Belgium next Monday.”

Meanwhile, Sweden manager Janne Andersson said: “Very sad for Alexander Isak and for us. At present, it is not appropriate to call in a replacement.”

How will Newcastle United cope without Alexander Isak?

Thankfully, due to the depth of their squad, Newcastle should be fine in the absence of Isak. They can also call upon Callum Wilson to play in the striker role – thus far, Wilson has four goals in the Premier League to his name this season.

Additionally, the former Bournemouth man has a better goals scored per 90 minutes ratio than Isak. Isak scores 0.88 goals per 90 minutes, while Wilson has a ratio of 1.25 [via BBC Sport].

However, if Wilson also picks up an injury – and his injury record is far from clean – then the Toon will be left without any fit senior team centre-forwards.

Without any other real options in the striker position, including from their U21 squad, Newcastle could be walking a tightrope if Isak is back any later than Eddie Howe would like.