Callum Wilson isn’t the only Newcastle United player who is a doubt to face Chelsea

Newcastle United have a couple of injury doubts heading into this evening’s Premier League clash with Chelsea
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Newcastle United are sweating over Callum Wilson’s fitness ahead of this evening’s kick-off against Chelsea. The 30-year-old has been ill this week and missed Wednesday’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.

The Magpies No.9 started last Sunday’s 4-1 win at Southampton but did not emerge for the second half after feeling unwell. Chris Wood replaced him and scored at St Mary’s before leading the line against Palace in midweek.

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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Having sat out of the cup fixture, it was hoped Wilson would be fit and ready to go for the visit of Chelsea to St James’ Park. However, head coach Eddie Howe says a late decision will be made. Wilson trained separately from his teammates in the build up to the game.

“We’ll wait and see,” Howe said. “He’s been training separately from the group this week. He had an illness so he’s been away from the group. He’s been working well but I need to make a decision on whether or not he’s fit enough to play.”

Wilson, of course, was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad on Thursday. Asked if the Three Lions call-up will impact his team selection, Howe said: “No, I will always look at it purely from Newcastle and the player’s perspective. Can they player give me his best physical effort? Is he able to do that? That is every individual.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Fraser was in line to start against Palace, which would have been his first since September, but missed out due to a calf injury. The Scotland international remains a doubt for the Chelsea fixture.

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“He’s an integral part of the squad,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference. “I think he contributed hugely last season. This season has been difficult because of the performances of the players. The squad has really produced that competition for places and I’d always say embrace that challenge if I was Ryan so that will get the best out of him.”