Eddie Howe reveals when ‘he’d love’ Callum Wilson to make his Newcastle United return

Eddie Howe would love to see Callum Wilson back in action at Newcastle United for the final few games of the campaign.

The Magpies’ top scorer has been ruled out since December after injuring his calf in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Wilson’s recovery has been slower than hoped with the striker yet to return to light training.

United have coped in the 30-year-old’s absence. Chris Wood arrived from Burnley for £25million and has helped build an unbeaten run of eight matches.

Howe hasn’t given up hope of Wilson playing again in 2021/22, believing he could be “like a new signing” in the latter stages of the campaign.

Asked for an update on Wilson, Howe, speaking ahead of Thursday’s trip to Southampton, said: “He’s been away for a considerable part of his rehab. At the moment, he’s in London getting specialist treatment for his injury.

“Previous to that, he had been in Dubai so we haven’t seen a great amount of him around the training ground but I don’t think that’s been a negative.

“For me, I know he’s away getting looked after and it also helps him mentally.

“The mental grind of when you’re injured and I’ve been there many times when you’re coming into the same place and same treatment, it can have a negative effect on your psychology.

“When he does come back, we see a bounce from Callum. He’s very happy, knows he is in a good place and improving.

“What I’d love to see is for him to come back and be like a new signing for us for our final few games.”