Newcastle United official update on latest signing who could feature v Fulham after double injury blow
Will Osula is closing in on his competitive Newcastle United debut.
The 21-year-old forward has been an unused substitute for each of Newcastle’s opening five games of the season. But injuries to Callum Wilson and now Alexander Isak could present Osula with an opportunity to impress in the coming games.
Wilson has not featured since last season and has been ruled out for at least another month with a hamstring injury while Isak is currently nursing a toe issue. A late call will be made regarding Isak’s availability for Saturday’s trip to Fulham (3pm kick-off) with Anthony Gordon ready as an alternative if needed.
There may also be a chance for Osula to make his debut. If not at Craven Cottage, the £10million arrival from Sheffield United is expected to feature in the Carabao Cup match against League Two side AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.
Assessing Newcastle’s striker alternatives, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: “Anthony did a really good job against Wolves and Will Osula who has done really well since he's been with us.
“I know he hasn't played any minutes yet but we're delighted with his progress. We feel we've got good cover.
“[Osula] is someone we really do like but there's a process after a big move for him. He's adapted well to that, he's very mature and comes in every day with a big smile on his face committed to his work.
“We've begun the process of developing his game and just moving out some areas we feel need developing and, of course, just getting him to understand what we do and how.”
Harvey Barnes is Newcastle’s top scorer so far this season with two goals and an assist to his name in the Premier League despite starting just one game.
When asked what Barnes has to do to start regularly, Howe said: “Regularly starting will be down to him and his performances, that's the same for any player. You earn your places with how you perform and he's certainly done his chances of starting no harm.
“When he's coming off the bench, that's all you can affect when you come onto the pitch, you give so much and try and make an immediate impact to try and force the manager's hand in the next match.”
Newcastle will go top of the Premier League if they beat Fulham on Saturday.