‘Back soon’: star teases Newcastle United return

Joe Willock has shared a fitness update after his season was cruelly cut short with two games to go.

The Newcastle United star limped off the pitch at St James’ Park with a nasty-looking hamstring injury during the 4-1 win against Brighton. Willock subsequently was forced to miss the Magpies games against Leicester and Chelsea which both ended in draws.

This meant the 23-year-old watched from the sidelines as United secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, however he quickly joined in with the post-match celebrations.

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And now the former Arsenal man has taken to Instagram to share his injury progress. Willock posted one photo and three videos to Instagram with the caption: ‘Back soon.’

The videos show him strengthening his hamstring with a resistance band and then training his upper body with some boxing drills.

Prior to his injury, Willock had been pushing for a senior England call up having already represented his country from under-16s to under-21s level.

“I definitely think that should be an aim of his,” said Howe, speaking in March. “I think he has the potential to do it.”

“I’d say for Joe, he has areas to improve - as all the players do within the squad - but it’s there for him. He’s young enough, I think he’s got potential to grow. I think again, since my time here he’s been excellent.

“I do think his game’s improved. I think he’s got more to go, I think he can score more goals, he can assist more - especially the position he’s playing in, he’s had those moments and chances.

“He can get around the pitch brilliantly. He’s dovetailed into a wide area as well at times for us - he’s had that natural rotation into those areas and he’s done really well. There’s that versatility to his game, he’s not a one-dimensional player and I really like that about him.”