Alexander Isak & Newcastle United midfielder ruled for five games - including Man United, Arsenal & BVB

Alexander Isak is set to miss Newcastle United’s next five matches after suffering a recurrence of his groin injury during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The Swede first picked up the injury in the 2-2 draw at West Ham United last month, where he scored both goals. It forced the 23-year-old to withdraw from international duty but returned in time to appear as a substitute in the weekend win over Crystal Palace.

Isak was recalled to the starting XI for the visit of his former club last night but lasted just 14 minutes. As per the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the striker is unlikely to return before the November international break, which means he’ll miss matches against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, Wolves, Arsenal and Bournemouth in the Premier League and the reverse Champions League fixture in Dortmund.

Hope posted on X: “Understand Alexander Isak unlikely to return before next international break after suffering recurrence of groin injury v Dortmund. That could rule him out of 5 matches. Problem not thought to be too serious, but still a blow to be down to one striker for some huge games.”

Isak adds to United’s growing injury list. Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe confirmed after Dortmund that Elliot Anderson will be sidelined for a few weeks because of a back problem. It’s also feared Jacob Murphy has dislocated his shoulder.

Sven Botman and Lewis Miley remain unavailable for United while Harvey Barnes is sidelined until early 2024.