Newcastle United striker William Osula is a serious doubt for Monday night's Premier League clash with Everton after rolling his ankle in Thursday's Carabao Cup defeat, which could open the door for Matias Fernandez-Pardo to lead the line.
The Danish forward was substituted at half-time during the 3-1 loss to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He was challenged by James Tarkowski as he tried to get a shot away in the Everton box and hurt his ankle. It is the latest setback for Osula, who had only recently returned from an ankle injury that had ruled him out since the opening game of the season.
Jaissle monitoring Osula's fitness
Newcastle manager Matias Jaissle and his medical team will continue to monitor Osula's fitness ahead of the return fixture. Jaissle admitted he may be without his first-choice No 9 for Monday.
“Will Osula was not able to continue; he twisted his ankle on that occasion when he took the shot. It's too early at the moment [to say if he will be available to play],” he told reporters.
Wissa's struggles and Fernandez-Pardo's return
Osula was replaced by Yoane Wissa, but the DR Congo forward frustrated Newcastle fans with a poor 45-minute cameo, spurning a couple of decent chances including toe-poking a shot horribly off target late in the game. Wissa has just one goal this season – an acrobatic effort against Tottenham Hotspur – and only two in the Premier League since his £55 million move from Brentford last summer.
If Osula misses out, Jaissle faces a decision on who leads the line against David Moyes' side. The only other real option to Wissa is summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the Belgian youngster who arrived in a £51 million deadline-day move from Lens. The 21-year-old has impressed in patches but is yet to score for Newcastle and missed chances against Coventry City, leading Jaissle to play him on the right wing against Aston Villa, where he was substituted early in the second half.
Fernandez-Pardo had been unwell in the build-up to that game and has since missed the last two matches against Crystal Palace and Everton through illness. However, he should be able to return on Monday night and could be used to lead the line if Jaissle decides Wissa's form and confidence are lacking.
Newcastle's attacking woes
Newcastle had 29 attempts at goal against Everton in the cup tie but only had Dan Burn's late header to show for their efforts, as the Magpies seek to become more ruthless and dominant in attack.
