After months of injury woes, Newcastle United’s record signing Alexander Isak is expected to hit the ground running when the Premier League season restarts. The Swedish international of Eritrean heritage joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad for $70 million but succumbed to a thigh injury after just three appearances in which he scored twice.Sadly for Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans, the 23-year-old forward has been sidelined since September by a thigh injury picked up on international duty, which he subsequently aggravated. He is now back on the grass, and although he is unlikely to be involved in the Magpies’ festive programme, it may not be long before he can resume the latest phase of his career.🗣 “He’s nearly there but we just have to make sure when he steps onto the pitch he’s fully ready.”An update from Eddie Howe on the fitness of Alexander Isak. pic.twitter.com/be0gQBi7jc— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 23, 2022 Howe has been relying heavily on England international Callum Wilson to score goals, but is naturally delighted to have the striker back with the first team.”He’s doing well, and we’re pleased with him, but he probably won’t make the next few Premier League games. We’re hoping he can play a big part in a busy January. Alex is out running and he’s kicking a ball. But when you re-injure a part of your body, as he did, we have to be careful. We’re listening to the medical team to try to get this next part right because this is the most important bit. He’s nearly there. We just have to ensure that he is fully ready when he steps onto the pitch. I don’t want a half-ready player. He has to be ready to execute what we need.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6906089##Isak’s absence has been all the more disappointing for both the 23-year-old and his new club because of the initial impact he made, scoring on his debut at Liverpool in an impressive all-round display and adding a penalty against Bournemouth before injury struck.”I’d say it’s been very difficult for him, without being in his head. I’ve had a feeling of that, going to a new club. Alex will no doubt feel some of those emotions to some degree, so I know that feeling. You want to go and prove yourself at a new club and to new supporters. He just hasn’t been able to do that. He scored at home and scored at Liverpool, where he performed brilliantly. There is a very good feeling around him. There is just frustration from a supporter’s side that they haven’t seen more of him because I think they know he’s an outstanding talent.”
