'I will' - Newcastle United star issues heartfelt statement as new injury blow confirmed

Newcastle United no.9 Callum Wilson has vowed to come back 'stronger than ever' after undergoing surgery on his pectoral muscle.

Wilson made his first start of 2024 as the Magpies beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 last weekend. However, in the closing stages, the 31-year-old sustained a freak injury and finished the game with his arm in a makeshift sling.

He is expected to miss the majority of the campaign and in an Instagram message said: "In a season that was one of my most exciting ones to date… the roller coaster that is football continues. Another hurdle to face & some time away from the pitch, after a freak injury whilst trying to protect the ball, to help get the 3 points over the line 😔 "Set back after set back, but the fighter in me will never give up or give in, as I continue to put my body on line for the team. Like always, I will pick myself up and go again as I have done so many times throughout my life 💪🏾

"To all the real people who have supported me this far, I will be back stronger than ever. I promise!! I couldn’t be more motivated to get back to my best self and scoring at St James’ Park. Thank you for all the lovely messages ❤️"

It's been a stop-start campaign for Wilson, who spent a month out with a calf issue prior to his pectoral injury. Eddie Howe revealed his sympathy for the player.

Howe said: “It’s no doubt a big blow for him because I think he’s looking at various things. His first priority is always Newcastle and he feels it has been a really stop-start season for him. He takes that burden of being one of our two strikers very seriously.

"He was very disappointed in that respect and of course, he had England on the horizon. We hope he’ll be back before the end of the season. We hope we will see him again but I’d never rule out anything for Callum, he could come back and still play an important part towards the end of the season for us."