Journalist Miles Starforth has been lamenting the injury blow sustained by Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Lowdown: Isak’s absence

Despite Magpies manager Eddie Howe noting the visible progress made by the 23-year-old in his recovery from a thigh injury, the Sweden international was once again rendered unavailable for the Toon’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

Due to this injury, Isak has played in fewer than half of Newcastle's top-flight games since he arrived on Tyneside this summer, and it now seems that he is set for an even longer spell on the sidelines at St James’ Park.

The Latest: Starforth’s reaction

After reports emerged of Isak’s injury absence at the weekend, Starforth was left to rue news that he heard about the Swede's potential return date.

Taking to Twitter, the Shields Gazette journalist claimed: “The loss of Alexander Isak, potentially until after the Premier League breaks for the World Cup, is a huge blow for Newcastle.”

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The Verdict: Massive loss

When compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, the striker statistically ranks in the same bracket as RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku (via FBRef).

At just 23 years of age, the Swede has already scored 74 goals in senior club football, having also amassed 37 caps and nine goals for his country.

Since signing for the Tyneside outfit in a club-record £63m deal, the forward has suffered from a series of unfortunate injuries.

Therefore, news of an extended absence will come as a blow for Newcastle fans, who are still waiting for Isak to be truly unleashed at St James’ Park.