‘A motivational tool’ - Carabao Cup dream helped Newcastle United star make injury recovery
Eddie Howe has revealed helping Newcastle United lift silverware inspired Callum Wilson to make another injury return.
A relentless string of setbacks have frustrated the 32-year-old throughout his Toon career. When fit, Wilson is among the Premier League’s best, even making the England squad for the 2022 World Cup.
However, keeping the striker fit has proven a problem, with just 60 minutes of top-flight action this season. Wilson is yet to get off the mark in 2024-25 - a fact that will likely frustrate a player as hungry as him for goals.
Speaking to reporters, Howe suggested his trusted lieutenant may make a long-awaited return to the team sheet against Birmingham City tomorrow. He said: “He’s done a lot of work. He’s trained very hard for this moment.
“He has a lot of miles behind him so he feels robust and strong. In his eyes, he feels ready to start games, impact the team and play to his full potential. Fingers crossed, his body responds in a positive way.”
Howe highlighted how crucial games coming up - including the Carabao Cup final - helped Wilson mentally cope with the injuries. He added: “Callum always had that (end goal) in the back of his mind with every disappointment that he’s faced.
“He’s had a couple of dark moments when things have gone against him. He’s then had to reenter a period of rehab. That can sometimes be a real challenge mentally. He’s always had a positive outlook and something on the horizon he can target.
“In part, being involved in the latter stages of the Carabao Cup was a target for him. He is such a positive person, using the games on the horizon as a motivational tool for his recovery.”