‘I hate this’ - Newcastle United star issues message as major fresh injury blow confirmed

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has vowed to ‘bounce back stronger’ after his latest injury setback was confirmed by Eddie Howe.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since May after he sustained a hamstring injury during the penultimate home game of last season against Brighton and Hove Albion.

But having worked on his recovery during the off-season, Willock was expected to resume training in pre-season before suffering the first of two setbacks.

Willock was on track to make his return after the September international break, however the former Arsenal man has picked up a new issue.

Joe’s had a bit of a setback with an Achilles injury,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “It’s not related to his hamstring problem so I think he’ll be missing for around six weeks.”

As a result, Willock is unlikely to return until mid-October, which will force him to miss up to seven games including Champions League Group F fixtures against AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Reacting to his injury blow on Instagram, Willock posted “I hate this , but God i love you and trust you…I am convinced I will bounce back stronger 🖤”

The former England international made 35 Premier League appearances last term, scoring three times and providing six assists as Newcastle sealed a top four finish.

So far this campaign, Willock has missed the 5-1 opening day win over Aston Villa and the three consecutive defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion.

United return to action when they host Brentford on Sunday, September 17 at St James’ Park.