St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 17, 2022. Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring.
BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck has given his injury verdict on Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
The Lowdown: Isak takes head knock
Isak suffered a potential knock to his head for Eddie Howe’s side in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against fellow Premier League opposition Southampton.
James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick struck the Swede in the face and he immediately hit the deck. The substitute was then substituted and Jamaal Lascelles would then take his place on the pitch.
The Magpies would end up winning 2-1 at St James’ Park thanks to a Sean Longstaff brace early on in the first half.
The Latest: Raisbeck makes injury claim
Raisbeck claimed that Isak could miss their clash this weekend against West Ham United due to the suspected head injury when speaking on the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast.
He stated: “We’re not sure of the situation at this point.
“It is possible that Isak will have to sit out the West Ham game on Saturday, but we can’t say for certain right now whether that will be the case and he said that they made the substitution because Isak wasn’t feeling great.
“So that would be a blow for them another player that they would miss but they have to follow the rules.”
The Verdict: Rules are rules
When it comes to head injuries and suspected concussions, it’s always better safe than sorry as it could have severe damage if those safety precautions aren’t taken.
In our view losing Isak will definitely be a blow as he’s contributed a lot in the few games he’s featured for Newcastle and it’s not the first team he’s been out with an injury.
We believe that it’s better for a player to miss a game and rest them than it is to rush them back and run the risk of them missing multiple games or sustaining a long-term knock.
Howe and his team will make the assessment on Isak’s situation and will definitely prioritise his safety and well-being.
Should the 23-year-old not be available, we see this as a great opportunity for Callum Wilson to boost his confidence in a black and white shirt.
Wilson’s last goal for the Magpies came against Aston Villa back in November, but with West Ham being in a poor run of form it’s a great chance for him to end his goal drought in our view.
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