Newcastle United issue fresh Alexander Isak injury update after scan results

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak will step up his return from a thigh injury during the World Cup break after a positive scan result. The Magpies’ £58million club-record signing hasn’t played since mid-September after picking up the injury on international duty with Sweden.

Isak, initially, was on track to return to action last month but suffered a setback. The 22-year-old is now working towards a return against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, which is the first game after the restart.

It is hoped the former Borussia Dortmund man will play a part in both of the club’s December friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano in what head coach Eddie Howe has described as a “mini pre-season”.

Alexander Isak injury latest

“I’m not sure whether he’ll train with us initially,” Howe said. “I think he had a scan the other day on his injury and it looks good, it looks like it has healed. Now the process starts of building him up and making sure he’s robust enough to come through training.

“I’m not sure he’ll join in with us initially but we hope by the time the games starts, he’s available for selection.”

Isak scored two goals, both against Liverpool and Bournemouth, in his opening three games following his switch from Real Sociedad before suffering his injury disappointment.

The best is yet to come

The prospect of having Isak back is an exciting one for Howe, particularly with Allan Saint-Maximin recently returning to fitness as well. Newcastle have managed to cope without both players by currently sitting third in the Premier League table.

“I think the best is yet to come for the team,” Howe said. “That is always going to be my belief, no matter what phase of performance we are in. You have to believe that But I do genuinely believe it anyway, I think we have a lot more to give.

“I think we have only just started in trying to utilise the squad in the best way we feel. There is more to come from individuals and more to come from the team.”