Newcastle United are sweating over an ankle injury to William Osula

Alan Shearer admits he is hoping that William Osula can shake off a fresh injury setback and stake his claim to continue leading the line for Newcastle United.

Osula was substituted at half-time against Everton on Thursday night after picking up an ankle knock in the first half when challenged by James Tarkowski as he bore down on goal.

It is the latest in a frustrating run for the Danish striker. Osula started the season as Newcastle's frontman, playing well against Liverpool and setting up the opening goal for Anthony Elanga. However, he was forced off in that game with an ankle injury and has only just returned to action.

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His first start since recovering from the injury saw him notch against Crystal Palace, and it was hoped the 23-year-old could provide the attacking thrust and threat that United have so badly missed this season.

However, the sight of him getting treatment at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and subsequently being replaced at the interval with Yoane Wissa coming on, has dealt Matthias Jaissle a further blow.

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Shearer, United's record goalscorer, says Osula is the man Newcastle must hang their hat on for goals with Wissa misfiring and summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo - who has been poorly - struggling to get up to speed in the Premier League. And he hopes Osula is fit to face Everton on Monday night.

"My guess is if he's fit, he'll start because he'd give Newcastle something which we haven't had," Shearer told Betfair. "We've not really had that threat in the box and at least he gives us that, you know.

"So, yeah he would be Newcastle’s first choice striker at the moment. Wissa hasn't been brilliant and Fernandez-Pardo when he's been in there hasn't been brilliant, but Osula comes in and he scores. So, when someone comes in and scores, then you'd have to keep him in."

Osula will be monitored by the Newcastle medical staff over the weekend. The hope is that by taking him off early they didn't aggravate the injury more than could be helped but he is a doubt for the game at St James' Park.

Jaissle said: "William Osula was not able to continue, he twisted his angle in that occasion when he took the shot, and with the other two as well [Harvey Barnes and Jacob Ramsey], we wanted to have a bit more fresh energy at the end."

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