'Massive' - Newcastle United injury update after striker ruled out of 10 matches
Newcastle United will assess Callum Wilson this week in hope he can be involved against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The 32-year-old is yet to feature for the Magpies this campaign after sustaining a back injury during the second week of pre-season. He trained in the build-up to the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion but wasn’t named in the matchday squad.
“He's close, he's trained and looked really good but collectively we have to make a decision based on the long-term interests of Callum and we don't want to push him too early,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “Let's see how he does this week.”
Wilson, who is the club’s second all-time Premier League goal-scorer with 48 goals, is set to return at a time when United are struggling to score goals having not found the net in open play in six hours and 45 minutes of football.
Their last was in the 3-1 defeat at Fulham when Harvey Barnes scored. Anthony Gordon and Will Osula have netted since but both have come from the penalty spot against Manchester City and AFC Wimbledon, respectively. Gordon, and Alexander Isak, missed some big chances against Brighton.
“It will be massive,” Howe said on Wilson’s imminent return. “You can see today if we had a fit and firing Callum Wilson, whether that's starting the game or coming off the bench that's going to lift our performance.
“Not just the player but also the character of the player and the leadership qualities that he possesses.”