Former Premier League full-back Alan Hutton has labelled Alexander Isak’s injury at Newcastle a ‘nightmare’.
The striker sustained a thigh injury while on international duty last month.
Eddie Howe has since confirmed that it will keep him out until after the World Cup following a setback in his recovery.
The Toon spent a club record £63m to bring the 23-year-old to Tyneside this past summer but after scoring two goals in his first three appearances Hutton believes it’s a major blow for not just the player but the club as well.
He told Football Insider:
“It is obviously a big blow.
“To have your record transfer come in and really hit the ground running, to pick up an injury and then a setback. Was he coming back too soon?
“I know how footballers work, in their mind, they just want to get back on the grass and think they will be fine. Then something happens again.
“It is a nightmare, not just for the club but for the player himself to have a setback. Mentally it can be very tough to go back to square one when you think you are almost there.
“I think this time round you probably have to take your time and make sure it is 100 percent ok before you test him on the grass. At this moment in time, as long as they keep Callum Wilson fit that will obviously help.“
TIF Thoughts on Hutton’s comments…
Have you been impressed by Alexander Isak so far at NUFC?
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No
Indeed as the ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa man mentions, Howe can still call upon Callum Wilson.
The English forward has scored three times in the Premier League so far this term having also finished as the club’s top scorer last season.
However, there is always the lingering concern with the Englishman that he could well suffer an injury himself.
He has a persistent record and the continued reliance on his availability could spark another issue.
Having played 165 minutes of football since last Sunday the physios at the Magpies will be aware of overworking the 30-year-old but while Howe can’t afford to lose the one-time Bournemouth talisman, he will need him for the trip to Spurs this weekend.