adminNewcastle United fans may have to wait a little longer to see Will Osula back in action after the striker suffered an injury setback that has now raised fresh concerns over his availability.
The 23-year-old had been handed a major vote of confidence by new head coach Matthias Jaissle at the start of the season, with the manager rewarding him with a starting place in Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.
The forward played a key role in Newcastle’s bright start, setting up Anthony Elanga for the fifth-minute opener and showing signs that he could have an important role to play under Jaissle.
A collision with Virgil van Dijk forced Osula to limp towards half-time. Despite initially attempting to continue, the striker was eventually taken off shortly after the restart.
That injury has now become a much bigger concern than Newcastle fans may have initially expected.
Osula, who scored six goals in nine games towards the back end of last season, has already missed two-and-a-half games for the Magpies and could now be facing a considerably longer spell on the sidelines.
Jaissle was reluctant to put a firm return date on Osula when asked about his condition last week.
The Newcastle boss said: “He’s now permanently getting the best treatment. We have a fantastic medical department, but it’s still too early to make a clear prognosis, a clear time frame when he’s back, but he’s working hard in the rehab like all the others.”
Those comments offered some hope that Newcastle would not be without the striker for too long.
However, reports from Denmark have now provided a more concerning update.
Osula faces extended absence
According to reports in Denmark, Osula is unlikely to feature anytime soon. It is claimed that the striker has been wearing a splint and faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
There is also genuine doubt over whether he will return in time for Denmark’s upcoming double-headers against Wales and Norway. Osula made his senior debut for Denmark earlier this year.
The latest reports suggest Osula could miss a further four fixtures for the Magpies, with an extended international period this season seeing the September and October breaks merge.
Newcastle will therefore have to find another solution in attack while Osula continues his recovery.
Yoane Wissa and new recruit Matias Fernandez-Pardo are expected to step up in his absence, with Jaissle now facing another test of the depth of his squad.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
