Official Alexander Isak update as Newcastle United star ruled out of four matches

The 25-year-old has missed the Magpies’ last two matches against Manchester City and AFC Wimbledon because of a broken toe. Isak sustained the issue in the 2-1 away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers and while he managed to play a week later at Fulham, he has been struggling to deal with the pain.

Isak was absence from the 24-man squad named by Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson on Wednesday morning. It suggests he is all-but certain to sit out of the visit to Goodison Park this weekend, which would see him miss five games in total.

Emil Krafth has been included after missing the last squad through injury. The versatile defender will reach 50 appearances for his country should he feature in both fixtures.

Speaking about Isak earlier this week, Eddie Howe said: “It was one of those situations where if he could tolerate the pain he’d be fine, and I think he tolerated the pain for about 80 minutes [against Fulham] of the game before he became aware of any feeling in that toe.

“It was either he was going to be out for either after the international break initially or he could carry on playing as normal if he could tolerate the feeling and effects of the injury. He hasn’t been able to do that so we’re back to the original diagnosis.”

Meanwhile, Will Osula has been called up to Denmark under-21s for their UEFA European Championship Qualifier against Iceland.

Osula made his full debut in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup but is unlikely to retain his place on Merseyside with Anthony Gordon expected to lead the line against his former club.