Newcastle’s Alexander Isak likely to be out until after World Cup with thigh injury

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14)  during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on September 17, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
By Chris Waugh
Oct 16, 2022

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is “probably” out until after the World Cup.

Isak, 23, has missed Newcastle’s last three matches through injury and head coach Eddie Howe gave an update on the Sweden international’s fitness after Sunday’s goalless draw with Manchester United.

“Alex has just reinjured his thigh so a very similar injury to the first one he picked up with Sweden,” Howe confirmed.

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“He’s going to be out for a period of time. We probably won’t see him before we break for the World Cup.”

Howe also provided an update on Allan Saint-Maximin, who was absent from the squad at Old Trafford despite making a return from injury with a 12-minute cameo against Brentford last Saturday.

Howe said: “Maxi’s got a slight irritation with his hamstring. On its own, that would be a very small issue, probably a few days out.

“But because it’s the third time he has done it now, we’re going to have to be very careful with his return to play.”

Before the Brentford game, Saint-Maximin missed five matches this season with a hamstring injury.

Howe described the pair’s injuries as a “huge blow” for Newcastle, who are back in action on Wednesday with the visit of Everton.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Chris Waugh

Chris Waugh is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering North East football and most particularly Newcastle United. Before joining The Athletic he worked for MailOnline, and then reported on NUFC for The Chronicle, The Journal and The Sunday Sun. He has covered NUFC home and away since 2015. Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisDHWaugh