Callum Wilson illness update ahead of Newcastle United v Leeds United

Eddie Howe hopes Callum Wilson can return for Newcastle United’s New Year’s Eve clash with Leeds United.

The Magpies No.9 missed the 3-0 win at Leicester City through illness as Chris Wood started - and scored - at the King Power Stadium.

Howe revealed after the game Wilson ruled himself out of the Boxing Day clash - but is in line to return when Leeds visit St James’ Park in four days’ time.

Asked when he knew the 30-year-old wouldn’t feature at Leicester, the United head coach said: “Probably yesterday, I’d say.

“We were hopeful that he would recover from the illness that he’s had. He was in at the training ground a couple of days ago, and we felt he’d be OK, even though he was slightly run down.

“I know Callum very, very well obviously, and he’d only rule himself out of a game if he knew he couldn’t do the team justice in terms of what he needed to do physically. We hope he recovers quickly.”

Wilson, less than a week after returning from the Qatar World Cup, started United’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth last Tuesday.

Speaking after that game, Howe said: “I spoke to all the international lads and we had a discussion on whether or not they wanted, or are able to play. All of them were desperate to come back and be part of this game, which is a great thing for me and a real sign of their mentality and professionalism.”