Newcastle United's record signing Alexander Isak is unlikely to return before the World Cup because of a thigh injury, says manager Eddie Howe.
Isak, 23, has played only three times for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad for £60m in August and he scored on his debut against Liverpool.
The forward picked up the thigh problem during training with Sweden in the September international break.
"Unfortunately, he's had a setback on his thigh," Howe said.
"We don't think we'll see Alex back before the World Cup.
"It's been very frustrating for him as a new player in a new league," added Howe, speaking before Wednesday's Premier League match at home to Everton (19:30 BST).