Newcastle United supporters can start hate-watching again as Alexander Isak has suffered another injury.
Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak will miss Liverpool’s crucial clash with Manchester City this weekend.
The former Newcastle United striker - now detested on Tyneside - pulled out of the Sweden squad after suffering a hamstring problem against Romania. Injuries have derailed Isak’s career since forcing a Toon exit to join Liverpool last year.
For context, this is the fifth setback the 27-year-old has suffered as a Liverpool player. Isak - who broke his leg last December - was also prone to spells on the treatment table at Newcastle.
Toon fans enjoyed an epic hate-watch last season given the way Isak downed tools to leave the club. And just as he began finding his feet on Merseyside, the striker has broken down again.
Reds boss Iraola is preparing for a mammoth clash against Man City amid the backdrop of the bombshell Premier League ruling. The pre-match build-up will undoubtedly be centred around City’s guilty verdict - and how a raucous Anfield crowd respond.
Alexander Isak ruled out
However, Liverpool must do so without Isak - giving Newcastle fans fresh ammunition. He told reporters: “Alex has a thigh injury. It's a small injury but it's a muscle injury. The same (as Gakpo), whenever he feels ready.
"They both don't look like long-term (injuries). We will be analysing day to day. But they are not going to arrive on Sunday.”
Alexander Isak swipe at Newcastle United
Isak met fierce boos when he returned to Newcastle on the opening day. In a recent interview with Swedish media, he decided to exact his own revenge by snubbing his former club.
“Signing with Liverpool,” Isak told Viaplay when asked to name his Premier League highlight. He also named the World Cup with Sweden as the proudest moment of his career while signalling intentions to win a “massive” trophy.