Alexander Isak may still be out of action across the festive period, according to The Chronicle.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
The Swedish forward has not played since September, a hugely frustrating start to life on Tyneside for the club record signing.
Isak had scored two goals in his opening three games since a £60m move from Real Sociedad towards the end of the transfer window and was even unlucky to have seen a second goal against Liverpool on his debut ruled out due to a marginal offside call.
Injured while away on international duty with Sweden, Newcastle’s backroom staff are not thought to want to risk the 23-year-old as he bids to return to full fitness, despite the extended break due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Newcastle are back in action on Tuesday against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup before the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City, while Leeds travel to St James’ Park on New Year’s Eve.
What has Eddie Howe said about Isak?
Speaking prior to the Bournemouth game, Howe said: “We are still in the same situation with Alex. We are assessing him day by day and want to make sure that, when he returns, he comes back in the best possible condition.”
Are Newcastle going the right way about it?
Absolutely.
Rushing Isak back would be the worst thing to do. Indeed, we’ve already seen Allan Saint-Maximin’s comeback ruined by a fresh injury upon his return against Brentford in October and any further injury to the Sweden international would only prolong the frustration.
With Callum Wilson fit (albeit that isn’t something that can always be counted on) and Chris Wood scoring against Southampton prior to the break, there is little need to rush Isak back at this stage, as tempting as it might be.
