Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is a major doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Eddie Howe confirmed the forward is nursing a broken toe and could miss the visit of the champions, with fellow striker Callum Wilson also ruled out.
Isak shone in the Premier League last season, scoring 21 goals in 27 appearances. Only City star Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more, though this time around has proven more difficult.
The 25-year-old has only scored once this time around – albeit that was a winner against Tottenham – during an underwhelming start to the season for Howe’s side.
“He'll be a doubt for tomorrow. He's had scans, he's had lots of tests,” confirmed the Toon boss.
“The injury has been diagnosed fine, there's no issues there.
"It sounds worse than it is but he's got a broken toe, but it's one that can be managed and played with providing he can tolerate the pain levels, and that will have no long-term risks.
"He had an injection to numb the toe last week and that was fine until the injection wore off. Let's see how he is today."
While Newcastle were unbeaten until last week’s 3-1 defeat at Fulham, little about their performances has fully convinced.
Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley are long-term absentees for Newcastle, who are looking for their first League win over Man City 2019.
