Newcastle United problem after fresh injury blow & striker ruled out for nine weeks

The Magpies fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, despite Isak - last season’s top goalscorer - needing to come off at half-time due to swelling around his eye.

However, if the Sweden international is to miss the visit to Craven Cottage, it won’t because of the eye issue. As first reported by Mail Online, Isak has a toe injury.

Newcastle will make a late call on Isak amid hope the problem can be managed, however, there are no guarantees.

That means Howe has a striker dilemma ahead of facing the Cottagers with back-up Callum Wilson still sidelined with the back injury he sustained at the beginning of pre-season nine weeks ago.

Anthony Gordon or Will Osula?

Harvey Barnes replaced Isak against Wolves, a reshuffle that saw Anthony Gordon deployed as the central striker over summer signing Will Osula.

In Isak’s potential absence, it is likely Howe will continue with same personnel after it worked a treat at Molineux. Moving Gordon inside allowed United’s head coach to bring on Barnes in his favoured left-wing position. It was a decision that was vindicated after the former Leicester City man netted the winner.

Behind Isak and Wilson, Osula is the club’s only recognised senior striker, however is yet to make it off the bench in the opening five matches since his £15million including add-ons transfer from Sheffield United.

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell recently described the 21-year-old as a “strategic investment” while Howe and Osula himself have suggested he will have to bid his time before being featuring in the Premier League.

“Yeah, he’s doing really well, very pleased with him,” Howe told NewcastleWorld last month. “It’s always a big step when you come to a club of this size and everything that goes with that, it’s a lot for a young player to take on board, his first move as well in his career.

“I think he’s handled himself with real class, trained very well, he’s been very level and grounded and focusing on his game to make improvements he needs to make but he’s got all the qualities we saw when we signed him.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing how his career develops.”

With the Carabao Cup third round tie away to League Two side AFC Wimbledon to consider three days after Fulham, perhaps then will be the time fans to get to see Osula.