Record signing, Alexander Isak, may not be quite ready for a return to action just yet, Eddie Howe has revealed. It was thought that the young Swede would be ready to go when domestic football returned after the World Cup, but the Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth, and the return to league action at Leicester, might come a little too soon.
Isak made a huge impression after signing from Real Sociedad, scoring 2 goals in 3 games, and looking like a player that will be a key asset in Newcastle’s not-too-distant future. Unfortunately, he picked up a thigh injury on international duty with Sweden and has not played since.
“He’s doing well,” Howe said. “This was the plan. We didn’t expect him to train with the group when we first started training so he’s with the sports scientist team and physios.
“We are building him up in a controlled way and we expect him to be very close for Bournemouth or Leicester, we’re not sure if he’ll be fit or available for those games yet.
“There’s no setback. There was an initial setback when he re-injured his thigh and as a consequence of that we just want to make sure we get him fully fit.”
Via [NewcastleWorld]
I was really excited to see Isak back in action after the start he had made on Tyneside, but they do say that good things come to those who wait. Having him back for our continued march towards Europe could be key, especially with Callum Wilson’s well known injury problems of the past. Let’s just hope that Isak is not another striker that gets plagued by injuries.
To end on a high note injury wise, Chris Wood, Matt Ritchie, and more importantly, Joelinton, have all trained this week ahead of a friendly with Spanish side, Rayo Vallecano. Having Joelinton fit for the remainder of the season is vitally important, as we all know the contribution he brings to the Toon Army’s cause.