Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was sent home from his international duties prematurely after it was revealed that the Swedish goal-scorer had picked up an injury against West Ham United in the Premier League last weekend.
What’s the latest on Alexander Isak’s injury?
The Sweden national team released a statement following Isak’s omittance from the squad on Monday:
“Alexander Isak leaves the men’s national team’s European Championship qualifying squad.”
“The Newcastle striker came to the gathering with an injury report from Sunday’s match against West Ham and underwent an examination by the Swedish national team’s medical team on Monday.”
“After that, it is clear that Alexander Isak is not available for games next week and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Belgium next Monday.”
However, Newcastle World has now claimed that it is believed that the centre-forward’s injury is not considered to be serious and the slight tightness in his groin will continue to be assessed leading up to the Magpies’ Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on October 21st.
How many goals has Isak scored this season?
There is no doubt that a potential injury blow to Isak would be a nightmare for Eddie Howe, as Callum Wilson has only just returned to action following a hamstring issue, making just a four-minute cameo against the Hammers ahead of the international break.
Newcastle are in the full-swing of their congested campaign with Carabao Cup, Champions League group stage and Premier League games coming thick and fast, although it doesn’t seem to have affected them adversely just yet with confident victories over both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks.
Having said that, Isak has been the linchpin in the promising performances seen both at St James’ Park and on the road this season so far with seven goals scored over 10 appearances, which means he has contributed to the score-line every 102 minutes for the Magpies and is currently the second highest scoring player in the entire Premier League, with only Erling Haaland ahead of him.
Isak has been the recipient of high praise on numerous occasions since completing his move to the North East last summer, with the Newcastle boss a huge admirer of his Swedish star and even drew comparisons to the legendary Thierry Henry last season:
“Everyone’s different. There are no two players that are the same, but I do think he has some of the characteristics Thierry had.”
“He’s certainly got the speed, and a similar build and frame. The footwork for the assist tonight was truly remarkable, really, and I think he’s got a lot of potential to improve and get better.”
“But it’s been a great start for him here.”
As a result, the international break has secretly been a blessing in disguise for Howe when considering his injury issues to key players at the moment, and he will be hoping that the two week break will be enough to get his team fit and prepared for continuing their pursuit to climb the top flight table, as well as earning qualification to the round of 16 in the Champions League.
