Newcastle Fear William Osula's Foot Injury Could Keep Him Out Longer Than Expected
Newcastle forward William Osula could be sidelined considerably longer than first expected after suffering a foot injury in the club's season-opening 2-2 draw with Liverpool, though head coach Matthias Jaissle has pushed back against the most alarming reports.
Osula picked up the injury in a collision with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and played on before being substituted early in the second half. He has since missed Newcastle's wins over West Brom and Tottenham and has continued wearing a protective splint. A report from Denmark's Viaplay claimed the Denmark international could be out for a "long time" and cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming international break, but Jaissle responded skeptically when asked about a specific seven-week absence claim, saying "I doubt that."
Newcastle have avoided the worst-case scenario of a fracture, but a clear return timeline has yet to be established. In Osula's absence, Yoane Wissa and new signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo are expected to shoulder the workload at centre-forward, with the club already managing a lengthy injury list that includes Tino Livramento, Joelinton and Dan Burn.