Injured has plagued the Toon’s season so far but manager Eddie Howe is confident that he will have important players back sooner rather than later.
Howe faced questions on player fitness after it was confirmed that Callum Wilson needed surgery for a pectoral injury sustained after a tussle with a Forest defender in the Mags’ 3-2 win. The English forward will miss around 12 weeks following the procedure which is taking place on Friday.
Wilson has missed eight league games through injury already this season and with a 12 week recovery period necessary after his surgery, he may only have a handful of games left in a Newcastle shirt after confirmation of transfer interest from European sides in January.
But signs are pointing to the worst of Howe’s injury crisis being behind him as he gave a more positive update on Alexander Isak and Joe Willock.
“He’s knocking on the door, very close, looking good and feeling much better,” Howe said of Willock. “Another huge player that we’re desperate to get back. He’s close.”
Willock has featured in six games for the Toon this season after suffering a hamstring problem at the end of the last campaign, before a setback in the form of an Achilles injury added to his time out.
Meanwhile, Isak is “very, very close” to a return and is looking “really good” according to Howe, but is unlikely to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.
“Probably not for the weekend,” Howe responded to questions of Isak’s availability. He’s very, very close and looking really good. I’m really pleased with the progress he’s made so let’s wait and see.”
Matt Targett and Elliott Anderson are about 10 days away from a return to training and Howe confirmed that Jacob Murphy had not trained this week.
Newcastle welcome Howe’s former club Bournemouth to St James’ Park on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.
