Eddie Howe has issued an update on Alexander Isak after the Newcastle striker suffered an injury ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Fulham.
Reports first emerged on Thursday that the influential Sweden international was a doubt for the weekend trip to Craven Cottage after sustaining an issue with his foot this week.
Isak was also forced off at half-time of Newcastle’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Wolves last time out after struggling with a problem with his eye and a bloodied nose at Molineux.
“We’ll find out more today,” Magpies boss Howe said at his pre-Fulham press conference on Friday morning when asked about Isak’s availability.
“It was a strange one with his eye, the ball just grazed his eye. We felt at that time that was the main reason for him coming off the pitch.
“Then he had a knock to his foot as well, so he’s got a combination of the two. We’ll make a decision today.”
Isak’s struggles are compounded by the absence of fellow Newcastle forward Callum Wilson, who has yet to feature so far this season due to an ongoing back problem.
The England frontman will also miss the clash with Fulham, where third-place Newcastle would go top of the early Premier League table with a win ahead of Sunday’s huge clash between top two Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, with Howe confirming that he won’t be back in action until after the next international break in October.
"Callum won’t make the game,” Howe said. “I think we’re looking with Callum and hoping to have him back in full training for the international break, to be ready hopefully for the games afterwards."
If Isak also misses Fulham along with Wilson, Newcastle will be left notably short on forward options for the visit to west London.
Anthony Gordon would have to take on an even bigger role in the attack along with the likes of Jacob Murphy, while Howe has also been impressed with young Danish striker Will Osula since his £15million move from Sheffield United last month.
"That leaves Anthony, who did a really good job against Wolves, and Will Osula, who has done really well since he's been with us,” the manager said.
"I know he hasn't played any minutes yet but we've been delighted with his progress. He's got all the tools so we feel we've got good cover."
Miguel Almiron is another attacking option for Newcastle, while Harvey Barnes came off the bench to net a stunning winner for the unbeaten Magpies at Wolves last weekend.
"Miggy has trained well this week,” Howe said. “He came back in a really good place from his international games.
“Like the other players who played international tournaments, he's had limited minutes, but we're delighted with his attitude and how committed he is. He's in a much better place now."
On Barnes, he added: “Starting regularly is up to him. There is no guarantee. Harvey has a real coolness in front of goal, he has this way he strikes the ball, his positioning is very good. You don’t score the amount of goals he does if you are not in the right areas.
"He is a really humble lad and he is prepared to work for the team. I am delighted with how he has started the season."
