Add as preferred source on Google

The injury problems have been mounting for Newcastle United in recent weeks.

Indeed, Joelinton has missed five games through injury, while Sven Botman has also required treatment. Joe Willock is yet to appear at all this season and Harvey Barnes is a long-term absentee.

With Newcastle battling across a number of fronts and with what is hopefully an extended FA Cup campaign to come, Eddie Howe needs his squad now more than ever.

There was another blow on Sunday, however.

As Howe shared after the draw with West Ham, Alexander Isak signalled to come off injured, being replaced by Callum Wilson – who himself is not fully fit after a hamstring problem.

The forward has since had to pull out of the Sweden squad for upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers and now his national team coach has reacted.

Sweden manager “very sad” following Alexander Isak’s injury

Indeed, speaking to Fotboll Skanalen, Sweden boss Janne Anderson admitted he was “very sad” for the 24-year-old.

The report also adds that Isak was forced home after medical tests conducted by the national team’s staff concluded it was “clear” he cannot play this week.

Let’s hope history is not repeating itself

Isak continues to dazzle for Newcastle and Howe will need him to spearhead their Champions League campaign, which gets back underway at home to Borussia Dortmund – the striker’s former club – later this month.

Still, you could forgive fans getting a little nervous. It was around this time last year Isak suffered a thigh injury that ruled him out 13 games, after all.

There is still hope the problem is only a minor one but it hardly makes for great reading given the other problems Howe is dealing with.

Hopefully, the break in domestic football affords Newcastle the time to recover many of their key players.