Newcastle striker Alexander Isak could be out for up to four weeks with a groin injury, according to The Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards.
The Swedish international was substituted before half-time during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday evening and Edwards says “early” indications suggest a pretty lengthy layoff:
Early indication is that Alexander Isak will be out for around two to four weeks with his groin injury. But it’s still too early to say for sure and we’ve had bad news before after scans etc this season. #NUFC
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) January 31, 2024
As Edwards points out, this estimated return date may change once Isak has undergone further tests but, at the moment, it looks as though he could be unavailable for the rest of February.
Which Newcastle games could the striker miss this month?
Eddie Howe’s men play Luton Town on Saturday before they have a week break ahead of their next league fixture against Nottingham Forest.
After their trip to the City Ground, they host Howe’s former team Bournemouth at St James’ Park. On the 24th, the Magpies face Arsenal prior to their FA Cup fifth-round tie versus Blackburn Rovers on the 28th.
Isak’s absence is a big setback
The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances. Newcastle will struggle to replace him, considering the injuries to other forwards.
Callum Wilson is also still on the treatment table. The England international has not played since picking up a calf injury in December but there is hope that he will be back in contention soon.
Considering Isak’s injury, there will be a temptation to bring Wilson back into the team as soon as possible but, due to his poor fitness record, there will be understandable misgivings about doing that. It’s likely that Anthony Gordon will be asked to lead the line against Luton this weekend.
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