Eddie Howe defends decision to play Newcastle star with broken toe despite him set to be sidelined for further two games
EDDIE HOWE defended the decision to play Alexander Isak with a broken toe – despite the star set to miss at least two more Newcastle matches.
The Swedish striker came off after suffering the injury at Wolves a fortnight ago but then led the line against Fulham the following weekend after a painkilling injection.
Howe revealed afterwards that the 25-year-old started to feel discomfort towards the end of that 3-1 defeat and it subsequently ruled him out of Saturday’s draw with Man City.
The Newcastle boss confirmed there was zero possibility of Isak playing tomorrow against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup at St. James’ Park.
And he also looks almost certain to miss the trip to Everton on Saturday as well as potentially his country’s Nation League games with Slovakia and Estonia.
When asked directly whether Isak playing at Fulham had aggravated the toe problem, Howe said: “I don’t think that would be the case. It was one of those situations where, if he could tolerate the pain, he would be fine.
“He tolerated the pain for about 80 minutes before he became aware of any feeling back in that toe.
“It was either he’d be out until probably after the international break initially, or he could carry on playing as normal if he could tolerate the feelings and the effects of the injury. He hasn’t been able to do that, so we’re back to the original diagnosis, I think.”
Asked whether that meant that Isak would not be back until after the international break, Howe said: “Possibly, yes.
“We’ve not ruled him out (of Everton). We’re sort of assessing him on a daily basis, because there is a chance he could be fit for Everton if everything falls into place.
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“Of course, then we have a decision to make. Does he play in that game, or do we leave him knowing that he’ll be OK two weeks afterwards?”
Despite Anthony Gordon, who has agreed a new six-year deal with Newcastle, starring and scoring against City, £10m summer signing William Osula seems certain to start against the Dons.
The Danish U21 ace’s only taste of action was as a late substitute at Craven Cottage but Howe is happy to remain patient in helping the ex-Sheffield United ace fulfil his potential.
He said: “With Will, we were well aware that we’d have to go to work as coaches and Will would have to go to work as the player to develop himself, to improve every area of his game to become a Premier League striker.
“We feel he has the attributes to do that. He’s very, very quick, physically excellent. He’s a tall, imposing character and his best asset is running in behind and stretching the line for us. He has some things to smoothen out in his game.
“We’ve seen already, certainly from the battles he’s had against our centre-halves in training, he has an ability to score goals and have a physical impact in the game, to make it uncomfortable for defenders.
“We are working hard with him and he’s working hard. His attitude has been excellent.
“He comes in with a big smile on his face every day. His career and his game is going in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, Howe will also make late calls over whether to pick Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali after both players were forced off in the second half two days ago.