Eddie Howe finds himself in a relentless struggle as Newcastle’s manager this season.
Despite showcasing some exhilarating football at St. James’ Park, the best in recent memory, Newcastle’s season has been severely hampered by a spate of injuries to key players.
The latest setback has hit Alexander Isak, the team’s dynamic Swedish forward, who was forced off the pitch during a match against Aston Villa earlier in the week.
Isak’s injury assessment indicates he’ll be sidelined for a significant period, though surgery has not yet been performed.
Frank McAvennie, a former West Ham forward and now pundit, expressed concerns over Isak’s situation, suggesting that delaying surgery could lead to chronic problems for the striker. Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie remarked, “Isak hasn’t been with the club very long, yet he’s frequently injured. It’s common for clubs to use injections to keep players like him going until they can address the issue surgically in the offseason. But if these injuries are recurrent, it would be prudent to handle it immediately.”
He advocated for immediate surgery if it means Isak could return for the season’s climax. “Delaying could compromise his future health and performance. It’s crucial not only for the team but for Isak’s well-being that these issues are resolved sooner rather than later,” McAvennie added, highlighting the importance of addressing such injuries early in a player’s career.
Eddie Howe now faces the tough decision of whether to push for Isak’s surgery now, with the aim of having him available for the season’s end, or risk exacerbating the striker’s injuries, potentially affecting his availability next season as well.
With the squad already stretched thin by injuries, Howe and Newcastle are hoping to avoid any further losses that could deplete their options further.
