Alexander Isak return date as £63m Newcastle United star ruled out vs Man City

The Sweden international has been struggling to a toe injury which he first sustained in the 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He required an injection to start against Fulham last week but the issue flared up again in the latter stages of the match. Isak hasn’t trained this week.

United boss Eddie Howe explained: “He trained last week before the Fulham game on the Friday and he had an injection in his toe to play, he felt fine, but then he started to feel his toe in the last five to 10 minutes of that game.

“Then after the game it sort of stiffened up and wasn't in a great place early in the week. So he hasn't trained yet, so we'll have to make a decision again as to whether he trains today or he misses the game.

“He’s had scans and lots of tests. The injury has been diagnosed fine – it sounds worse than it is, but he’s got a broken toe. But it’s one that can be managed and played with, provided he can tolerate the pain levels, and that will have no long-term risks.

“He had an injection to numb the pain, and that was fine until the injection wore off. Let’s see how he is.”

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The decision has been taken to leave Isak out of the squad and NewcastleWorld understands the club’s £63million club-record signing is unlikely to return before the international break.

After Man City, Howe’s side face AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup and then travel to Everton. Sweden are scheduled to face Slovakia and Estonia before the Premier League season resumes, with Newcastle at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.