Callum Wilson issues encouraging Newcastle United injury update

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson says he is "getting closer" to a return from his hamstring injury.

The Magpies' No.9 withdrew at half-time during the Champions League defeat in Borussia Dortmund last month and since missed matches against AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

United boss Eddie Howe is yet to confirm when Wilson will return but the player himself insists "things are going good" as he aims for a swift return to support fellow striker Alexander Isak.

The 31-year-old told the BBC Footballers' Football Podcast: "Things are going good, I feel good. I feel fit and strong. We're moving outside and we're getting closer.

"I'll soon be dipping back into training but it's on the physio's say-so. The sooner the better because Alex [Isak] is a product of me and I'm a product of him for my recent injury struggles.

"I think I need to get back as soon as possible to help him out, to share the load because there's a lot of demand on the players at the moment."

Wilson was pictured in the dressing room after Newcastle's 4-1 victory over Chelsea last Saturday but opted to stay at home for Tuesday's visit to Paris.

The England international admits to struggling to watch games on TV when injured, though the form of Isak, who has scored two in two since his return from a groin issue, helps fuel his motivation.

Wilson added: "You become a fan when you watch from afar and you can't actually affect the outcome of the result. Ultimately, as a professional and a teammate, you try to give the lads confidence and energy and keep them upbeat.

When it's on TV, it's difficult to watch. Being brutally honest, sometimes I'll have it on in the background but just pottering around the house doing bits and bobs because sitting there through the whole 90 minutes is frustrating.

"Home games I go to, of course, because you can be down in the dressing room with the lads and I say give them energy they need at times.

"I'm like everybody else, you feel restricted and itching to get back but personally it gives you that motivation.

"When I sit there watching a game at St James' Park and for example Alex scores, a player in your position who is doing well. It's competition and when you're not down there to compete, it's almost even more frustrating at times.

"I'm not going to sit here and be like 'ok, I'm not bothered' but I use it in a positive way. That's we have such a good relationship on and off the pitch because you're pushing each other, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me push harder in my rehab."