Newcastle United fans think they’ve spotted a hidden issue with Alexander Isak

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Alexander Isak was not at the races as Newcastle United lost 4-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Magpies looked a step behind in almost everything at Villa Park as their opponents blew Jason Tindall’s side away with three goals in the space of 11 minutes in the second half.

That is a move Newcastle United fans have become familiar with this season, but it is usually their players who are scoring in quick succession.

Star striker Alexander Isak had a game to forget, registering just one shot on target before being taken off after 76 minutes. The 25-year-old has found the net just once in his last four games before being replaced with Callum Wilson.

Tindall admitted Isak had an ‘off day’ against Aston Villa, but backed him to pick up the pace in final five games of the season.

Villa humiliated Newcastle 4-1, with Isak barely getting a chance to shine. However, Newcastle fans have noticed something very worrying about the Swede following the loss.

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Newcastle United fans debate about Alexander Isak statistic

Newcastle’s season may have looked completely different with Isak. The Sweden international’s 25 goals in all competitions have made the difference in most games.

However, it was spotted by X user Charlie Bennett that Isak has not played a full 90 minutes since February 15th, a worrying sign for the 25-year-old who has struggled with injuries this season.

Upon seeing the post, Newcastle fans took to X to give their opinions on the statistic.

“Yep he’s fine. Minutes being managed as imagine what trouble we’d be in if he got injured due to overload.” said one fan, while another added: “Every time he comes off we are winning comfortably so no need to risk him. You can see how passionate he is when a pass doesn’t come to him or he misses a chance. His all in. If it was still 1-1 he would of stayed on why keep him on at 4-1 down and risk him.”

This fan believes Isak has a lingering groin problem, saying: “Definitely think he’s struggling with a niggle, or just tired in general, he’s been a beast this season.”

“1 goal in 4 games. Of course he is class! But hopefully he steps it up in our last 5 games.” said this optimistic Newcastle fan.

Another fan added: “He’s been playing poor since the cup final. Wasn’t even that good in the final tbh apart from his goal. When he’s on he’s unreal, but when he’s not on form, he’s virtually non existent!”

Finally, this Newcastle supporter said: “Have been a little concerned over his body language. He hasn’t looked right since the cup win. Could just be fatigue, but maybe not.”

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Can Newcastle United rest Alexander Isak against Ipswich Town?

After the disappointing loss to Aston Villa, Newcastle find themselves just two points ahead of sixth place and looking over their shoulder rather than above them.

The chances of qualifying for the Champions League are still high, but a win against Ipswich Town would vastly improve their hopes of returning to Europe’s top competition.

While Newcastle are firm favourites to beat Ipswich at St James’ Park, there should be no plans to drop Isak in order to rest him for other upcoming games.

The 25-year-old has featured in every game since Newcastle’s win against West Ham a week before the Carabao Cup final, even if he has been taken off before full time. Tindall or Eddie Howe have Callum Wilson and William Osula as candidates to replace Isak if he is given a rest. However, the chances of him missing the game seem very unlikely.

Isak scored a hat-trick against Ipswich in their first meeting this season, he will be confident of another good attacking return on Saturday.