‘Hope it’s not serious’ - Newcastle United dealt fresh injury concern ahead of World Cup break

Newcastle United injury latest after the 1-0 victory over Chelsea in their final game before the World Cup.
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that Callum Wilson is ‘fine’ for the World Cup - but revealed some concern surrounding Sven Botman.

The Magpies No.9 will jet off to Qatar next week after being named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad on Thursday, however he was unable to start the 1-0 victory over Chelsea last night after suffering from illness.

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Wilson was brought on for the final quarter of an hour and helped United see out a big three points that cemented their place in the Champions League spots heading into the five-and-a-half-week break.

And as the 30-year-old prepares to link up with England, Howe has reassured supporters of his fitness and availability. “Callum’s fine, it was just a case of I didn’t feel he was, with the training he’s had, ready to start the game,” Howe said.

“He’d had an illness that really knocked him, so we didn’t want to take the risk with his immune system being low, and we knew that he’d be okay for a part of the game. He’s fully fit now, he’s got no problems.”

Fabian Schar took a blow to the head early doors but played the full 90 minutes. The defender will link up with Switzerland for their World Cup campaign on Monday.

Botman, meanwhile, was forced off in the closing stages. Howe explained: “Fabi, we’re not sure on. Sven, it seemed like he injured his ankle. We hope it’s not serious.