Newcastle United injury latest: William Osula has missed the past five matches for The Magpies due to an injury setback.
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Newcastle United forward William Osula has received a positive injury update on his ankle issue.
The 22-year-old was a late withdrawal from Newcastle’s squad in their Champions League match against Athletic Club despite initially being named among the substitutes. He then missed the following matches against Brentford, Manchester City, Marseille and Everton.
He is also likely to miss Tuesday night’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park (8:15pm kick-off).
The forward has scored three goals so far this season, but had been playing on through an ankle injury before the issue eventually took its toll.
"Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think injury hasn't been totally plain sailing,” Howe explained. “I think there's been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days then where he's felt a bit of pain, so I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday.
“Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's okay to continue as he is. So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games.”
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William Osula injury latest
Osula is a doubt for Newcastle’s upcoming matches against Spurs and Burnley at St James’ Park but Howe is hopeful of seeing the striker back in action soon following positive scan results.
“Will is, I think, okay,” Howe said. “He's been to see a specialist on Monday, to get an update on his ankle.
“He's still feeling a little bit of pain in there, even though sort of all the scans have come back clear."
Newcastle United striker options
Newcastle have limited attacking options heading into December with Nick Woltemade the only recognised, available striker in Howe’s squad.
The German has enjoyed a positive start to life at Newcastle with seven goals to his name already.
Yoane Wissa has been sidelined since September due to a knee injury and is yet to make his debut for the club since his £55million move from Brentford on deadline day. The DR Congo international has since returned to first-team training as he pushes for his first club appearance since May.
With Wissa and Osula unavailable against Everton on Saturday, Howe named 18-year-old forward Sean Neave on the bench. The forward has impressed for Newcastle at academy level this season with 10 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions but is yet to make his competitive first-team debut.