Newcastle United players arrive ahead of Champions League tie v Athletic Club
Nick Woltemade is currently Newcastle United’s only fit senior striker.
Osula was named among the substitutes when the team news was confirmed at 6:45pm. However, less than half an hour later, Newcastle announced that the striker had dropped off the bench.
The 22-year-old was brought on for Nick Woltemade at half-time during the 3-1 defeat away to West Ham United on Sunday. Osula has been the only cover for the German, with £55million summer signing Yoane Wissa currently sidelined with a knee issue.
Why Will Osula dropped out of Newcastle United’s matchday squad v Athletic Club
That said, Osula has been managing an injury of his own, with his ankle causing him huge discomfort. In the hour leading up to kick-off against Athletic, the Magpies decided it was best that the young Dane sat out of the game.
“Yeah, we've just been in discussions with him at length about his ankle in the last few days as to whether he's fit enough to actually perform to the level that we need and that he's comfortable with.
“After a discussion, we felt it was best to withdraw him and try and get his ankle 100% right.”
Howe revealed a couple of weeks ago that Osula hasn’t been able to train properly as a result of his sore ankle.
“I think every time he's come on the pitch this season, invariably he's performed, and I think that's given them further belief for the next appearance,” said Howe.
“As I said, he's nursing an ankle injury, which again, I think he's showing real maturity. I don't know if he could have necessarily done it in the way that he's managed it this season, last year.
“He's limited training time. Little things, though they are a big things, he's not finishing at the moment in training because his ankle's too sore, so, we're having to navigate through that while keeping him available, because that's his big wish, is to continue to help the team.”
Newcastle United could be without three striker options for Brentford clash
As it stands heading into Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, Newcastle are without their three possible striker options.
As well as Osula and Wissa, Anthony Gordon, who started the 2025-26 campaign as the central striker whilst Alexander Isak was on strike, is a doubt for the game after going off against Athletic with a hip injury.
Gordon was feeling his hip at West Ham last weekend but was withdrawn at half-time largely due to tactical reasons. The 24-year-old retained his place in the starting line-up but further discomfort in his hip forced him to withdraw in the 41st minute.
Providing an update on Gordon immediately after the game, Howe said: "I've not spoken to him and I haven't really had a full rundown from the medical team. It seems like a recurrence of his hip injury that has been plaguing him in recent weeks.
“We'll assess that and see what damage is there.”
Woltemade has started the last nine games, with Howe admitting to the 23-year-old showing signs of tiredness. But there appears to be no respite considering the issues outlined above.
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