Newcastle United injury update as extent of Alexander Isak’s issue revealed ahead of Crystal Palace

Alexander Isak hasn’t been ruled out of Newcastle United’s next Premier League fixture, despite withdrawing from international duty with a groin issue.

The 24-year-old scored a brace on Sunday afternoon before he signalled to come off in the closing stages as the Magpies drew 2-2 against West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Asked about Isak after the game, United head coach Eddie Howe said “fingers crossed he’s okay”.

And while NewcastleWorld understands the severity of Isak’s injury isn’t serious, it is enough to rule him out of Sweden’s friendly against Moldova on Thursday and their Euro 2024 qualifier in Belgium next Monday.

A Sweden statement read: “Alexander Isak leaves the men’s national team’s European Championship qualifying squad.

“The Newcastle striker came to the gathering with an injury report from Sunday’s match against West Ham and underwent an examination by the Swedish national team’s medical team on Monday.

“After that, it is clear that Alexander Isak is not available for games next week and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Belgium next Monday.”

Isak has slight tightness in his groin and will continue to be assessed ahead of United’s return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on Saturday, October 21.

He hasn’t yet been ruled out of the clash, though Newcastle will be mindful of the Champions League clash at home to Borussia Dortmund which follows four days later.

Isak is the club’s top goalscorer with seven goals in all competitions this campaign. Behind the Swede in the charts is Callum Wilson, who made his return from a hamstring injury by replacing Isak in the 86th minute at the weekend.

Newcastle have felt the effects of a busy period between September and the start of October by losing key players to injury. However, Howe hopes to have Joelinton, Sven Botman and Joe Willock back after the international break.

He said after West Ham: “We were missing some big players today and that makes the recent games all the more positive for us because when you’re stretched, you need the depth of your squad.

“I think we’ve shown that. The players that have come in have been brilliant for us but I thought we missed Joelinton. We’ve definitely missed Joe Willock for such a long time. Sven [Botman], Anthony [Gordon], these players can make a difference, especially in a tight game when we’re fatigued and 2-1 up.

“That’s something we need to look at and hopefully we can get those players back in the next two weeks.”