Alexander Isak 'injury' update as Newcastle United close in on £15m transfer

The Magpies suffered an injury scare when the Swede fell awkwardly when trying to knock the ball around goalkeeper Hiroki Iikura midway through the first-half.

Although Isak looked in a little discomfort, he continued before being replaced at half-time. But his withdrawal wasn’t injury-related, according to Howe.

“No, that was scheduled for him,” said Howe. “Of course he went over on his shoulder early in the game, it was sore but he was fine to carry on.

“We don’t envisage any problems but of course we need to check out the mechanism and how his shoulder is but I think he looks okay.”

Isak was replaced by under-21s striker Ben Parkinson.

With Callum Wilson currently out injured, Isak is Newcastle’s only fit senior striker heading into the new season. However, that is set to change this week with the Magpies understood to be closing in on Sheffield United forward Will Osula for £15million.

Howe’s men return to the UK ahead of the Sela weekender this weekend when Girona and Stade Brestois visit St James’ Park. A week later, Southampton visit Tyneside for the first game of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Wilson won’t be available until a few weeks into the season as he recovers from a procedure on his back.

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