Newcastle facing bug dilemma after fresh injury concern & striker ruled out for months
Newcastle United may face a striker dilemma ahead of their Premier League clash with Fulham this Saturday. Alexander Isak, one of their key players, was forced off at halftime during their 2-1 comeback win against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to an eye issue.
Although Newcastle turned the match around, head coach Eddie Howe expressed concerns over Isak’s condition. Howe admitted that while the exact issue with Isak’s eye remains unclear, he hopes it is not serious, as the forward is a vital part of the squad.
Newcastle will be hoping that Isak is fit in time for the Fulham game, as their other main striker, Callum Wilson, is still sidelined. Wilson, who picked up a back injury during pre-season, remains in recovery.
The 32-year-old striker has missed all of pre-season and the opening five matches of the current campaign, and it seems unlikely that he will be fit to return for the Fulham match. Howe had mentioned that Wilson hasn’t suffered a setback, but his recovery is progressing slower than expected, with the striker not yet ready to return to full training.
This situation leaves Newcastle with limited options in the striker department. The club’s most recent signing, 21-year-old forward Will Osula, is an emerging talent but has yet to make his competitive debut for the club. Newcastle signed the Denmark Under-21 international from Sheffield United for an initial £10 million in August, hoping to develop him for the future rather than thrust him straight into the first team.
Despite his potential, Osula wasn’t called upon when Isak was substituted against Wolves. Instead, Howe opted to shift Anthony Gordon from the wing to the center and brought on Harvey Barnes, who ultimately scored the winning goal.
The decision to overlook Osula suggests that he may be further down the pecking order than initially anticipated. Though Osula is part of Newcastle’s squad, his age allows him to remain eligible to play without being included in the official 25-man roster for the 2024-25 season.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell described Osula as a “strategic investment,” emphasizing that the club views him as a long-term prospect rather than a player ready for immediate impact in the first team.
Osula, for his part, seems content to bide his time and learn from the senior players at the club. In an interview, he expressed his excitement about joining a club of Newcastle’s stature, while acknowledging the need to develop further before becoming a regular starter.
He emphasized the importance of adapting to the team’s style and learning from both the coaching staff and his more experienced teammates. Osula remains patient, confident that his time to shine will come in due course.
However, that opportunity could arrive sooner than expected. With Isak’s availability in question and Wilson still on the road to recovery, Osula may find himself in contention for a spot in the squad for Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Fulham.
Should Isak be ruled out, Howe could be forced to hand the young forward his debut, giving him a chance to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
As Newcastle heads into the weekend, much will depend on the fitness of their key players. The club has shown resilience in the face of injuries, but the shortage of strikers could prove a challenge if Isak is unable to play.
Osula’s potential debut could offer a glimpse into Newcastle’s future as they navigate this period of uncertainty in their attacking options.
Read Also: Eddie Howe tear up and sends brutal warning to Newcastle ace after behind the scenes drama
Read Also: Newcastle handed biggest injury blow after key man ruled out for five months
Read Also: Move over Wilson: Newcastle now have Isak’s replacement in sensational Toon teen
