William Osula Faces Weeks Out With Foot Injury After Liverpool Draw

Newcastle United will be without striker William Osula for the next few weeks after he picked up a foot injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Osula started up front and had a strong game, setting up Anthony Elanga for the opening goal inside the first five minutes. But he took a knock in a collision with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, and it soon became clear he was struggling. He tried to carry on, hobbling around the pitch for a while, before the pain became too much and he was substituted just after half-time.

Head coach Matthias Jaissle confirmed that scans have ruled out the worst outcome, a broken foot. But he stopped short of giving an exact return date, as Osula still needs further tests. Asked if the striker would miss around two weeks, Jaissle simply said, "Yeah, most likely."

Osula missed Newcastle's midweek match against West Brom because of the injury, with 19-year-old Sean Neave drafted into the squad in his place. Newcastle won that game 3-2. With Osula out, the main striking duties are expected to fall on Yoane Wissa, though Nick Woltemade also offers an option up front.

The injury is a blow for Newcastle, who have already dealt with several fitness problems just one week into the new Premier League season. Osula was a key attacking option last season, scoring nine goals, and Jaissle will be hoping to have him back as soon as possible.