Newcastle United’s forward line could look very different against Fulham on Saturday.
Alexander Isak has started every Toon game so far this season, scoring one goal – the winner against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 24-year-old has been an ever-present, but that might be about to change. Isak is a doubt to face Fulham due to a toe injury, after also suffering a problem with his eye during the win over Wolves.
Isak was not spotted in Newcastle training this week, and it looks like he could miss the trip to Craven Cottage.
That will force Eddie Howe to tweak his attack and start someone else up front.
Eddie Howe praises Will Osula as he discusses replacing Alexander Isak against Fulham
The most likely candidate to lead the line against Fulham if Isak is unavailable is Anthony Gordon. He played as a striker during the win over Wolves when Isak was forced off.
However, Eddie Howe does have an alternative in Will Osula.
The 21-year-old is yet to make his Toon debut since joining the club in the summer, but Howe has been very complimentary towards Osula when he was asked about his attacking options ahead of the game against Fulham.
“That leaves Anthony, who did a really good job for us against Wolves, and Will Osula, who’s done really well since being with us,” he 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.
“He’s someone that we really do like. There’s always a process. It’s a big move for him. He’s adapted well to that, I have to say. He’s very mature, comes in with a big smile on his face every day, committed to his work.
“We’ve begun the process of developing his game and smoothing out some areas that we feel need development, and just getting him to understand what we do and how we play.
“But I’ve got really high hopes for him.”
Osula will hope to make his Newcastle debut in the coming days
Howe has high hopes for Osula, but it would come as a real surprise if he starts the youngster against Fulham.
As the manager says, the forward is still learning how Newcastle United play and what it takes to be an Eddie Howe player. That will take time, as Osula is a very young player with not a huge amount of experience.
But while he might not start at Craven Cottage, Osula will have ambitions of making his Toon debut in the comings days.
His chances of making an appearance off the bench against Fulham will go up if Isak is not involved, while there is also the looming Carabao Cup clash with Wimbledon on Tuesday night.
The game against League Two opposition could be a great chance for Osula to play his first minutes for the club, and showcase the progress he has already made since arriving on Tyneside.
Still no Callum Wilson for Newcastle
While Howe has Gordon and Osula to cover the potential absence of Isak, the Newcastle United boss will not be able to call upon Callum Wilson.
Howe has stated that Wilson will not be back until after the October international break, as he continues his recovery from injury.
The 32-year-old has not played for the Magpies all season, as his fitness woes continue.
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