The Magpies are down to the bare bones in attack for the clash at Brentford this weekend
Eddie Howe speaks to Newcastle United's Will Osula
Eddie Howe speaks to Newcastle United's Will Osula(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United forward William Osula is facing "weeks" on the sidelines after an injury revelation from the Magpies' training HQ.
The Danish Under-21 international has been struggling with an ankle injury, but Toon medics have blown the whistle on Osula risking further injury. With United likely to be without Anthony Gordon on Sunday against Brentford with Yoane Wissa still not close to a return, Howe may have to wrap Nick Woltemade in cotton wool against the Bees.
Howe said at his Press conference today: "It is something he has been feeling for a little bit, but it has been functional and able to play. But he has had a scan, and it told us to pull back a bit. It's not serious but could be out for a few weeks."
Getting Wissa back before this international break would have dampened down talk that he has suffered a serious knee injury.
But Wissa has now missed three proposed comeback dates as Brighton, West Ham and Brentford have came and went without a hint of him being back.
But Howe insisted: "His knee is feeling good; it is more a case of looking at his fitness and sharpness. He is in a good place to kick on, but we need to get him in a position to be robust enough to help the team. I am sure he will be worth the wait.
"Injuries are part and parcel of football, but the only frustration is we haven't seen him because he wasn't with us when he picked up. It's been difficult because the transfer was done with the thinking of helping us in the here and now.
"But we have to make sure when he's back he's ready to hit the ground running."
For now though Newcastle must plough on with keeping Woltemade fit and firing, with Howe commenting: "I think we are in the process of doing that.
"Nick is one player in the machine and we are finding our best way to use him but I am very happy with Nick, his application and his ability to carry out instructions."
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