Alexander Isak injury could mean Anthony Gordon continuing as Newcastle striker

Anthony Gordon could be set for an extended spell as an emergency striker with Newcastle team-mate Alexander Isak facing the prospect of being sidelined until after the international break.

The 23-year-old England winger started in a central role against Manchester City on Saturday in Isak’s absence with a fractured toe, winning and converting the penalty which handed the Magpies a creditable 1-1 Premier League draw.

Isak suffered the break during the club’s 2-1 win at Wolves on September 15 and played at Fulham six days later having had a pain-killing injection, which proved to be only partially successful.

Eddie Howe on his attacking options:

"We are light in the centre forward area. I thought Anthony [Gordon] did very well on Saturday with his commitment and endeavour to the role. We really like Will [Osula], he is training really well and we have a decision to make." pic.twitter.com/t5lqUpuyZg

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 30, 2024

Asked if he had aggravated the injury in the process, head coach Eddie Howe, who confirmed the Sweden international will not play against League Two Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, said: “I don’t think that would be the case.

“It was one of those situations where, if he could tolerate the pain, he would be fine. He tolerated the pain for about 80 minutes before he became aware of any feeling back in that toe.

“It was either he’d be out until probably after the international break initially, or he could carry on playing as normal if he could tolerate the feelings and the effects of the injury.

“He hasn’t been able to do that, so we’re back to the original diagnosis, I think.”

In an ideal world, Howe would like to have Isak back to lead the line at Everton on