Newcastle United star could undergo surgery after being ruled out of 10 matches

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could reportedly undergo surgery this summer due to an recurring groin injury.

The 24-year-old has missed 10 matches in total this season with the same issue -including five between October and November, two in December and three in February.

The Swede is expected to return to the matchday squad for Saturday night's Premier League visit to Arsenal having last featured in the 3-1 away win at Aston Villa, but if the problem persist then an operation at the end of the campaign is a possibility, according to the Mail Online.

After Callum Wilson underwent surgery on a pectoral injury last week, the Magpies were without a recognised senior striker for Saturday's 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth. That saw Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and substitute Jacob Murphy all rotate as the central striker.

Gordon scored from the penalty spot before Matt Ritchie netted a 92nd equaliser after Bournemouth twice led through Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo.

Howe admitted Isak was "close" to make the squad against the Cherries, as was Joe Willock, which suggests a comeback for the visit to the Emirates Stadium is on the cards.

Howe told NewcastleWorld: "We were searching in the game to try and get a better balance to the team. We looked at different players in different positions to see if the match-ups would work better. It wasn't ideal. You're going to miss someone of Alex's qualities.

"He was close but not close enough, same as Joe Willock. Fingers crossed in the not too distant future they can play an important part for us."