Newcastle are sweating over the fitness of the star striker after he withdrew from Sweden’s squad
Alexander Isak has pulled out of the Sweden squad due to injury, leaving Newcastle United sweating over his fitness.
The £58m summer arrival from Real Sociedad missed training on Wednesday ahead of the Nations League B4 games against Serbia and Slovenia, his 23rd birthday, and is heading back to Tyneside.
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In a statement on the Swedish Football Association’s official website, it says: “Alexander Isak missed Wednesday’s training due to an emotion.
“On Wednesday evening, Alexander was examined by, among others, our medical team and it was established that he will not be available for matches against either Serbia or Slovenia. Alexander will therefore leave the squad.
Manager Janne Andersson added: “It is of course sad, mainly for Alex, but also for us as a team. However, after speaking with both our medical team and Alex, it is the right decision for him to leave. I hope he is back as soon as possible.”
Isak, who started three of his country’s four games in June, was disappointed to have to withdraw.
He said: “It feels very sad to have to leave the team. I had been dying to play in the blue and yellow shirt again. I wish the boys the best of luck on Saturday and Tuesday.”
The news will also come as a blow to Magpies boss Howe, who made his move for Isak as the summer transfer window drew to a close with Callum Wilson nursing the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the 3-3 draw with champions Manchester City . 21th of August.
Wilson is close to a return, but Newcastle face an anxious wait to discover the extent of their major shopping spree ahead of next Saturday’s trip to promoted Fulham.
Isak scored on his Liverpool debut and converted a penalty to secure a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend, but is yet to finish on the winning side in his three games so far for the club, who have not won a Premier League title. games since the start of the season.
The former Real Sociedad striker’s penalty saved Newcastle from a home defeat against the Cherries.
On his podcast alongside West Ham striker Michail Antonio, Wilson discussed his team-mate’s goal-kicking, given that the 30-year-old is the regular penalty taker.
“For £60m I should expect him to put it away!” Wilson joked.
“In my absence, you always want someone to step up and have that confidence and the composure to put it away.”