Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has opened up about his fitness battles with the Magpies since replacing Alexander Isak. The forward already has a better goal tally than his predecessor in the Premier League, having scored four times since arriving on Tyneside. He was on target against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, finding the top corner with a perfect penalty in the closing stages.

Woltemade's absence from the starting eleven and early substitutions in certain matches have baffled supporters regarding Eddie Howe's tactical choices. However, the striker has now shed light on his physical struggles since his late August arrival from Stuttgart. It is believed that Woltemade has been adapting to the intensity of the Premier League in contrast to the Bundesliga's tempo.

Despite being withdrawn from the Germany squad due to illness, the 23-year-old is confident he will be ready for the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after the international break.

"That was the first game I could play without cramps, for the first time in a long time, I had energy," he said.

"We have worked on that very well. We don't have too many...