'Delighted': Eddie Howe hints at bold team selection choice ahead of Fulham game amid injury fears

Alexander Isak is a big doubt for tomorrow's game at Craven Cottage after Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe confirmed the striker faces a late fitness test.

We are so early into the new season and already our worst fears are coming true. From the second last season ended we spoke about needing another striker in the summer as Callum Wilson couldn't be relied upon to be a backup for Isak with his terrible injury record.

Our point was proven when the former England striker broke down with an injury in pre-season and isn't expected to be back in action until after the next international break.

Thankfully, Newcastle did sign a striker in the summer, but it was a young, unproven player who hadn't hit the net in 17 outings in the Premier League for Sheffield United last season.

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Eddie Howe hints that he will play Anthony Gordon up front vs Fulham

Not only that, but Will Osula, who joined in a deal worth up to £15 million, has yet to make his debut for the Magpies despite being striker-less for the second half on Sunday, so Eddie Howe clearly doesn't believe he's ready which leaves him with a bit of a problem tomorrow.

Howe was asked in his pre-match press conference how he plans to deal with the early striker crisis and the gaffer told the press (via The Chronicle) that he believes he has cover.

"That leaves Anthony, who did a really good job against Wolves, and Willl Osula, who has done really well since he's been with us.

"I know he hasn't played any minutes yet but we've been delighted with his progress - he's got all the tools - so we feel we've got good cover."

We would be all for seeing a Will Osula debut

We don't know about you, but we hate seeing Anthony Gordon play through the middle. The lad is not a centre-forward and is far too effective out wide to be played as one.

Gordon can still be the one to get us goals, but he can do that from the wing. Playing Osula up front gives the defenders someone to think about while Gordon is doing his magic.

We say give the youngster his debut if Isak doesn't make it. He's a big unit for a 21-year-old and can be a nuisance with it. Besides, we paid good money for the lad, give us a look at what he can do, Eddie.