Report: Newcastle learn how long they will be without £63m striker after injury recurrence

It was the moment that ruined the atmosphere when Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak went off the pitch last night.

Seeing Isak withdrawn so early in the game against Borussia Dortmund last night completely ruined the atmosphere inside St. James' Park as the Magpies went on to suffer their first Champions League defeat by a narrow 1-0 margin.

The striker had just returned from injury after withdrawing from international duty with Sweden earlier in the month with a groin issue.

Newcastle are going to be without Isak for a while

Eddie Howe said after the game last night that his injury seems to be a recurrence of that issue, and now Craig Hope has provided an update on X that nobody wanted to see.

"Understand Alexander Isak unlikely to return before next international break after suffering recurrence of groin injury v Dortmund. That could rule him out of 5 matches. Problem not thought to be too serious, but still a blow to be down to one striker for some huge games"

Newcastle's failure to add to their striking options in the summer is really going to bite this season if Isak keeps picking up these knocks.

No disrespect to Callum Wilson, but Eddie Howe has managed him brilliantly since he came in and because of that he's had a good run without injury, but now he's going to be expected to play the next five games and they will be coming thick and fast. It's a worry.

Newcastle have options up front, but they're not great

Things were just starting to look up with Joe Willock back in full training and making an appearance last night, but now we've lost Isak and Jacob Murphy, with Saturday's hero reportedly having dislocated his shoulder and set to be out for a long spell.

Anthony Gordon played as a makeshift striker for England U21s in their successful European Championship campaign in the summer with Gordon scooping the Player of the Tournament award for his efforts. Joelinton is no stranger to playing up front either, so there are options should Wilson need to be rested, but they're far from ideal.

It's another suckerpunch for Newcastle who just can't seem to catch a break with injuries this season.