Newcastle United’s striker options have taken another hit following Eddie Howe’s update on Will Osula.
The 22-year-old has been suffering from an ankle injury recently, but it had been a problem that Newcastle United were able to manage.
However, that changed on Wednesday night. Will Osula was withdrawn from the squad to face Athletic Club, having initially been named as a substitute.
That was a concern, and now Eddie Howe has provided a further update on the young striker.
Eddie Howe speaks to Will Osula during Leeds United vs Newcastle United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe confirms Will Osula injury absence
Speaking ahead of Brentford vs Newcastle United, Howe has addressed Will Osula’s injury status.
He has been ruled out of Sunday’s game at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Osula braced for what will hopefully be just a brief spell on the sidelines.
“It’s something he’s been feeling for a little bit but it’s been functional,” Howe said.
“He’s been able to train and play. It was getting to the stage when it was affecting him a little bit more.
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“He had a scan and we were awaiting the results, tied in with the game, and the scan told us to pull back a bit. It’s not a serious injury, we expect it to be weeks, not any longer.”
Sean Neave could step up in Will Osula’s absence
On the back of Osula’s injury, Nick Woltemade is under more pressure at Newcastle United. He is the only fit senior striker that the club have got, with Yoane Wissa unavailable too.
That leaves Howe with a problem, but the solution could be within the Newcastle United academy.
With Osula and Wissa injured, this could be a great opportunity for Howe to give Sean Neave a chance. The 18-year-old has been in and around the first-team a lot over the past 12 months, and was even on the bench for the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool.
Despite being involved in first-team training and matchday squads, Neave is yet to make his senior debut. When that changes will be up to Howe, but surely the Newcastle United manager is considering calling up the striker for this weekend’s game against Brentford.
As it stands, Woltemade is the Magpies’ only striker option. Even Anthony Gordon is an injury doubt, despite fans being unconvinced by his performances through the middle.
With that in mind, Neave is surely closer than ever to making his Newcastle United debut.