Alexander Isak: Newcastle and Sweden striker forced out of internationals, fans concerned

Newcastle United and Sweden striker Alexander Isak has withdrawn from international fixtures in the upcoming break. It is reported that he has been given a respite from their upcoming busy schedule post international break, but Newcastle fans would be hoping for the best.

Alexander Isak- the Swedish wizard

Isak has been one of the top strikers of Premier League giants Newcastle United since last season. Owing to the strict vigil of Eddie Howe coupled with Isak’s individual brilliance, the Magpies are up and running this season in the Premier League, and recently they have announced their arrival in UEFA Champions League too, after mauling French heavyweights PSG 4-1. The Swedish has been top notch up front for Howe as he has continued to impress his fans and critics since his Real Sociedad days. As of the present scenario, it is rumored that it is just a precautionary measure that will keep Isak refreshed ahead of several important fixtures, shortly after the international break. Eddie Howe would be hoping that the reason of this break is nothing serious as the Magpies would be playing seven games on the trot in a three-week spell.

After West Ham drew 2-2 against Newcastle, Eddie Howe had reported about Isak coming off early, as he was heard saying, “Callum Wilson couldn’t have started the game and indeed, couldn’t really have played longer than he did in the end (coming on with 86 minutes on the clock). I only really wanted to use him in an emergency but Alex signaled that he had to come off, so he was a natural replacement. Fingers crossed Alex will be okay (when we return against Crystal Palace).”

Sweden releases official statement

Sweden has released an official statement regarding Isak as they have mentioned, “Alexander Isak leaves the men’s national team’s European Championship qualifying squad. The Newcastle striker came to the gathering with an injury report from Sunday’s match against West Ham and underwent an examination by the Swedish national team’s medical team on Monday.”

They further continued, “After that, it is clear that Isak is not available for games next week and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Belgium next Monday.” In Group F of their European qualifiers, Sweden stand on a mediocre third position, closely following Austria and Belgium. They will be needing a miracle to turn things around as two top teams from each group automatically qualify for the next round, but Isak’s men are trailing top pair by seven points.

With several top fixtures coming their way, Sweden might have made peace with them not qualifying directly, thus sending their top star back to club premises. A lot of permutations and combinations would then come to play after Belgium and Austria lock horns next week, as a loss for the Belgians in the hands of Austrians, followed by a ‘shock’ loss against the Swedes would lead the Belgians to stay one point ahead of the Scandinavian nation. They know that if they win three consecutive fixtures, and Austria stands on the brink of collapse, it would still give them the hope of an alternate route of qualification.

Newcastle would be up against the stern tests of Crystal Palace, Dortmund, Wolves and United among others, thus Isak and others would be in dire need of refreshments, so that they can play to their capabilities.