Eddie Howe feels Newcastle are lacking bite because of consistent injury issues

Newcastle United have a big problem in the striker department in that they have two of the most formidable goal scorers in the Premier League but both have trouble staying fit.

Callum Wilson's strike rate for Newcastle is genuinely phenomenal and would see him as a Golden Boot contender every season if he could play more than a third of a season.

His injury record since his £20 million switch from Bournemouth is genuinely shocking - and it's not like it was a new development, he had similar issues at the Cherries.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, who had an excellent fitness record before joining the Toon from Real Sociedad for £63 million has yet to see out a full season with the Magpies without a significant injury.

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Newcastle are missing competition for starting places up front

When both players are fit they raise their game significantly, and this is something that Eddie Howe is all too aware of.

Speaking to the media on Friday morning (via The Chronicle), Howe spoke about the difference it makes having both players fighting for the place in the team.

"I don't think they've been fit together for a long time.

"I think it's had a negative effect on us as a team, of course, they're two outstanding players, but also I think to themselves, they almost need each other, I think, to help propel them to their best performances because there's nothing like that pressure of someone eyeing up your shirt or in some sense, playing with you, because I think when they played together, they've done really well together. We haven't seen it as much as we would have liked."

After the international break should see a renewed grit from Newcastle

On the rare occasions the two have shared the pitch they've worked together brilliantly too, but they're both so fragile that having both on the pitch at the same time with no striker lying in wait as backup is simply too risky.

The difference it makes when they're battling for a place in the team is noticeable though and that's something that Newcastle have undeniably been missing this season so far, and now we're missing both of them for the next game against Everton on Saturday.

After the international break, Eddie Howe expects both players to be fit which should add an extra dimension to the team.