Newcastle star man ruled out of 9 matches after fresh injury claim

Newcastle United will continue to be without Callum Wilson until after the October international break due to an ongoing injury. The striker has yet to make an appearance for the Magpies this season after suffering a back injury during their pre-season training at Adidas’ Herzogenaurach headquarters in mid-July.

Initially, there was optimism that Wilson would return a few games into the new campaign, but the 32-year-old is now expected to miss over three months of action as his recovery takes longer than anticipated.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, shared the latest update on Wilson’s condition ahead of their upcoming match against Fulham.

With Anthony Gordon set to lead the attack and Alexander Isak potentially missing the game due to a toe injury, Wilson’s absence continues to be a significant challenge for the squad. Howe emphasized the complexity of Wilson’s injury, particularly as it involves both his back and hamstring.

“Any injury to the hamstring is potentially complex,” Howe said in an interview with NewcastleWorld. “There’s no re-injury, it’s just a case of re-adjusting the timescale depending on how he felt.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Callum Wilson of Newcastle United (9) holds his hand up during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on May 04, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

We’ve had to listen to his body as he’s delivered the work. He’s been re-scanned, and the healing process hasn’t been as fast as we’d hoped.

It’s a slight adjustment, but we’re hopeful to have him back fully fit for the next group of games, which will be crucial.”

Howe also acknowledged the impact Wilson’s absence has had on the team, particularly highlighting the energy and competition he brings to the squad. “We’ve missed him,” Howe said. “I think we’ve really missed his energy and what he contributes to the squad, as well as the competition he brings to the striker position.”

The connection between Wilson’s back and hamstring issues has made his recovery more complicated than initially expected. Howe clarified the situation, saying, “The back injury is still there, but it’s connected to the hamstring. He’s working his way back, and he’s looking good at the moment.”

Wilson’s injury has severely limited his involvement in 2024. He has made only six appearances this year, playing a total of 267 minutes out of a possible 3,240.

As one of Newcastle’s key attacking players, his absence has left a noticeable void in the team’s forward line, placing additional pressure on other strikers and attacking options to step up.

When asked about Wilson’s mental state during this challenging period, Howe assured that the player is handling it well, despite the initial disappointment of missing the start of the season. “He’s been fine,” Howe explained. “There’s always an initial disappointment when you pick up an injury early in pre-season, especially when you’re really looking forward to the new season. Callum was in a great place, and to miss the early part of the campaign was tough for him.”

Howe also addressed the mental hurdles that players often face when sidelined for an extended period. “When you know you’re going to miss the early part of the season, doubts can creep in.

You start wondering how the rest of the season will unfold for you, but after getting over that initial disappointment, you just focus on the return date and fight to get back as quickly as possible.”

Wilson, known for his resilience, has been working hard to return to full fitness, and Howe expressed confidence in the club’s medical team to ensure the striker’s recovery is carefully managed. “Callum is doing that,” Howe said. “But I think the medical team is managing him sensibly, making sure he comes back at the right time.”

As Newcastle United navigates the upcoming fixtures without one of their key attacking players, the focus remains on getting Wilson back to full fitness for the crucial games that lie ahead.

With a series of challenging matches on the horizon, including a clash with Manchester City, Wilson’s return could not come soon enough for the Magpies.