Newcastle United suffer fresh injury setback after two-month blow
Newcastle United injuries: Matthias Jaissle has confirmed a fresh injury concern ahead of Everton on Monday night.
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has provided an update on William Osula after the striker was forced off during the Carabao Cup defeat to Everton.
Osula suffered an ankle injury during the 3-1 defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after being on the receiving end of the challenge from James Tarkowski. After receiving treatment and initially playing on, the 23-year-old was forced off at half-time.
Osula was making only his second start since returning from a two-month injury layoff. He was also ruled out for three months last season with an ankle injury.
Matthias Jaissle confirms William Osula injury concern
He was one of three players replaced at half-time, with Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes also making way as Jaissle introduced Yoane Wissa, Joelinton and Anthony Elanga in an attempt to turn the tie around.
Speaking after Newcastle's cup exit, Jaissle explained that his triple substitution had been designed to provide greater attacking threat, although Osula's withdrawal was enforced.
“[The substitutions] was something to do with getting offensive power in the game,” the Newcastle head coach explained.
“With these guys, of course, Will Osula was not able to continue; he twisted his ankle on that occasion when he took the shot, and with the other two as well, we wanted to have a bit more fresh energy at the end, and also with thinking, of course, about Monday’s match.”
The injury raises fresh concerns over Osula's availability, particularly after his recent spell on the sidelines. Newcastle have little time to recover before facing Everton again, this time in the Premier League at St James' Park on Monday.
Asked whether Osula could recover in time for that encounter, Jaissle was unable to offer a definitive update.
“Yeah, it's too early at the moment,” he admitted.
His condition will therefore be assessed over the weekend along with a couple of others.
Newcastle United injury concerns ahead of Everton rematch
Osula's setback adds to the injury issues facing Jaissle as Newcastle prepare for a quick reunion with David Moyes' side.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Lewis Miley were both absent from Thursday's match and remain doubts for Monday evening's Premier League fixture. Meanwhile, Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen continue to be unavailable.
The Magpies will be determined to produce a response following their disappointing Carabao Cup elimination.
Sunday's 2-0 victory away at Crystal Palace had lifted Newcastle into eighth place in the Premier League table, but their momentum was disrupted by the defeat on Merseyside.
Monday's meeting offers an immediate opportunity for revenge, although Everton will travel to Tyneside with confidence after securing another victory over Newcastle. The Toffees have also won on their previous two Premier League visits to St James' Park and could move above Newcastle in the standings with another three points.
For Jaissle, the immediate priority will be assessing his available options, with Osula's fitness now another concern ahead of the second meeting between the clubs in quick succession.