Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak could have an injury problem while on international duty for Sweden.
The 23-year-old is preparing for two Nations League games in which Sweden will face Serbia and Slovenia. However, it is currently unclear whether Isak will be there.
The Magpies’ record signing practiced on Wednesday – but he was on his own. Isak did not attend full training with his international teammates. Instead, he trained solely based on what the Swedish federation describes as a “small feeling”.
We’ll soon find out how “little” the feeling is. Sweden is in action on Saturday evening. If he does play it’s probably not a cause for concern, although there will be concerns at Tyneside that any ‘small’ problem could be made worse.
The exact nature of the injury isn’t specified but Newcastle are certainly a concern given the injuries we’ve picked up already this season.
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But while Isak is suffering from a problem of his own, another of Eddie Howe’s top players is on the way back. And the timing could be perfect.
Newcastle bring Wilson back at the right time with Isak injured
The main reason Newcastle signed Isak is because of an injury. Callum Wilson developed a hamstring problem in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City and the Toon owners responded by breaking the club’s transfer record to sign the Swede.
He joined from Real Sociedad for £59m and has scored twice in three games so far. In this respect he had a great start, but the performances were not quite as good. Isak has been isolated above, and Howe needs to find a way to involve his mega-bucks in signing more.
Meanwhile, Wilson, who was signed for £20million in 2020, has been recovering. He’s also scored twice this season and needs to score many more goals if he wants to go to the World Cup with England this winter.
The 30-year-old could immediately return to Howe’s starting XI if Isak has a problem himself.
Hopefully Isak’s ‘little feeling’ is nothing and he is fit to represent his country before his return against Fulham when Newcastle are back in the Premier League. And it would be even better if he starts alongside Wilson at Craven Cottage.
But if the worst happens and Isak isn’t fit, then at least Wilson will be back.
