On Sunday, Newcastle United mounted a strong comeback from a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This impressive performance was achieved despite the team losing last season’s top scorer, Alexander Isak, who had to leave the pitch at half-time due to swelling around his eye.
However, it has been revealed that Isak’s potential absence for the upcoming match against Fulham is due to a toe injury rather than the eye issue. According to reports from Mail Online, Newcastle is hopeful that this injury can be managed, but a final decision on his availability will be made closer to the match, with no guarantees either way.
This situation has left head coach Eddie Howe facing a striker dilemma as he prepares for the match against Fulham. The backup striker, Callum Wilson, has been sidelined with a back injury he sustained during pre-season, leaving the squad without its regular attacking options.
In the match against Wolves, Harvey Barnes stepped in to replace Isak, which led to a tactical reshuffle that saw Anthony Gordon take on the central striker role instead of summer signing Will Osula. This change proved effective, as it allowed Newcastle to utilize Barnes in his preferred left-wing position, where he ultimately scored the winning goal.
Should Isak be unavailable for the match at Craven Cottage, it is likely that Howe will maintain this tactical approach, given its success at Molineux. This consistency could provide stability for the team as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Behind Isak and Wilson, Osula remains the only recognized senior striker in the squad, yet he has not featured in any of the first five matches since his £15 million transfer from Sheffield United. Despite his lack of game time, Newcastle’s sporting director Paul Mitchell has described the 21-year-old as a “strategic investment.” Both Howe and Osula have indicated that the young striker may need to be patient as he acclimates to the Premier League.
Howe has expressed confidence in Osula’s potential, stating, “Yeah, he’s doing really well, very pleased with him. It’s always a big step when you come to a club of this size, and everything that goes with that can be a lot for a young player. I think he’s handled himself with real class, trained very well, and focused on improving his game.”
With the Carabao Cup third-round match against League Two side AFC Wimbledon looming just three days after the Fulham clash, fans may finally get the opportunity to see Osula in action. This match could serve as a valuable chance for the young striker to showcase his skills and potentially earn a more prominent role within the squad. As Newcastle looks to maintain their momentum in both league and cup competitions, the unfolding situation with their strikers will be pivotal in shaping their immediate future.