Eddie Howe makes 'impossible' Newcastle United January transfer claim after £20m blow

Wilson’s 2024 has been blighted by injuries, resulting in just two Premier League starts and 10 appearances in total. In the last year, the 32-year-old has spent time on the sidelines with a pectoral muscle, back and hamstring problem.

The former England man’s latest setback has again left United light on strength in depth with the burden on Alexander Isak to lead the attack. There is 21-year-old Will Osula for back-up, however, he is yet to start a Premier League game since joining from Sheffield United for £15million in the summer.

And with Anthony Gordon also capable of playing as the central striker, signing a Wilson in January is unlikely.

Howe said: “I don’t think those affect our ability to trade. In previous seasons, that would be the case because I think you’d react to what the team is delivering and an injury situation but now with the training model the way it is, you’re much less reactive. It’s what you can do, not what you want to do.

“I keep saying the same thing about January, I wouldn’t expect us to be in a position to be too active in the market as we currently stand. Things can change, if we trade players that is of course different but if you don’t trade players I’ll expect us to be fine.”

Because of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Howe basically said it’d be impossible to replace Wilson, who, despite his injuries, is Newcastle’s second all-time Premier League goalscorer behind Alan Shearer with 47 goals.

"I don't like using the word impossible because I don't believe in that, but as close as you can get to it because Callum has got the experience, know-how,” said Howe. “All the things you need to deliver that, he's one of the few people that can that's available to us.

"It's a big blow but I'm trying to put a positive spin on this. I've seen this many times where you get an injury to someone and it opens the door for someone else in whatever capacity. Whether that is for Will Osula or for someone else to step forward to showcase their talent, so be it, and Callum will work his way back."

If Wilson returns in February as planned, the former AFC Bournemouth man could, in theory, be fighting to save his Newcastle career. He is out-of-contract at the end of June.

But that isn’t in Howe or Wilson’s thinking, according to the former: “That’s a bit further down the road. I think the most important thing currently is he tries to get himself in the best condition possible to try and play.

“The injury is not a long long-term, it is roughly around an eight-week injury so all being well he will be back and that will be a crucial period for him. I don’t think he has to think about his future, I think that’s a step beyond. It’s just about the short term and trying to deal with the initial injury itself and then fighting back which I know he will.”