Why Alexander Isak was subbed off early for Newcastle against Crystal Palace

Alexander Isak was subbed off midway through the first half after the Newcastle striker appeared to pick up a hip injury against Crystal Palace.

The Sweden international was named in the starting XI for Saturday afternoon’s clash at Selhurst Park as Newcastle looked to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Monday.

However, Isak, who had scored three goals in his last four league games, lasted just 22 minutes before Harvey Barnes replaced him.

The sub came after the 25-year-old was involved in an early collision with Palace wing-back Tyrick Mitchell that saw Isak fall to the ground in discomfort.

After treatment from the Newcastle physio team, Isak attempted to continue but soon found it hard to run and went down again after tacking another whack to the hip.

Eddie Howe was eventually forced to withdraw the Swede when he signalled that he could not continue, with Anthony Gordon moving centrally and Barnes moving out to the left wing.

Callum Wilson, who played his first minutes of the season against West Ham on Monday, did go out to warm up but was not chosen by Howe to come on.

Isak’s withdrawal typified what was an injury-disrupted first period for the home side, with Joe Willock and Joelinton also receiving treatment.

Joelinton – alongside midfielder Burno Guimaraes – were both doubts for Saturday’s game but were passed fit enough to start.

While Newcastle dealt with various injuries and knocks, it was Palace who enjoyed the better of the chances in the first period.

Ismaila Sarr forced a good save from Nick Pope at close range before the offside flag went up.

Moments later, Daniel Munoz spurned a golden opportunity when he fired wide from six yards out after a crisp counterattacking move from Palace eminating from a Newcastle corner.

Oliver Glasner’s side are searching for just their second win of the season having drawn 2-2 with Aston Villa last week at Villa Park.

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