Eddie Howe has revealed that Callum Wilson may only return for the “last few games of the season”, admitting that he’s making “slow progress” following a calf injury sustained in December.
Elsewhere, the NUFC boss has confirmed that new signing Dan Burn is a slight doubt for tomorrow’s clash with Everton due to a toe injury.
He’s hoping it’s nothing serious, but admits it’s something that’s been ‘aggravating’ the former Brighton defender over the past few days.
Here’s what Howe’s had to say about both when speaking to the press this morning:
Howe on Callum Wilson:
“There’s a time when he’s due back but, as always with these type of injuries, it’s not absolutely clear. I think we go more on how we feel than a specific time given by the physio or doctors.
“It’s been slow progress for him since the initial injury. He was recently on crutches, he’s come off them now and is walking normally, which is a big step.
“But I don’t think it’s going to be short term. Hopefully, he can make the last few games of the season and really help us in the key moment.
“I don’t know on time. We’re taking it by symptoms rather than really giving it a time. With Callum’s injury, it wasn’t clear on the first scan quite what the injury was.
“I’ll probably be better updating you further down the line as to a return date. At the moment, that’s unclear.”
Eddie Howe on Dan Burn:
“The only thing is Dan has a slight toe problem that has been aggravating him the last few days.
“Which hopefully is nothing too serious, small thing (infected toe) that can sometimes be a big thing.”
This is typical Newcastle: when there seems to be hope of a revival of fortune, something reverse would suddenly happen, just like the case of Dan Burn. Nevertheless, I am still optimistic on to-morrow’s match with Everton – because we have the “extra twelve player” on our side i.e. the audience. 😛
Joy for Geordie(Quote)