Newcastle United co-owner posts five-word message as key man ruled out of Arsenal, Chelsea & West Ham fixtures

Newcastle United could be without a recognised striker for Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash at home to AFC Bournemouth (kick-off 3pm). 

Callum Wilson is facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a freak pectoral tendon injury during last weekend’s 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest. 

It was initially hoped the 31-year-old’s issue could be managed but as broken by Mail Online on Thursday, further assessment has revealed surgery is required. A best case scenario is the striker returns in April. 

It is a huge blow for the Magpies’ No.9 on a personal level with his chances of making England’s Euro 2024 squad in doubt. His absence also leaves Newcastle extremely light up top. 

As it stands, Eddie Howe’s side are currently without a fully fit senior striker. Alexander Isak has missed the last two games with a groin injury, something that has persisted throughout the campaign. And although he could return to the matchday on Saturday, he is unlikely to be in a position to start. 

Despite the difficult position United once again find themselves in because of injuries, Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben has tried to make light of the situation. 

On X (formerly known as Twitter) Reuben wished fellow co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi a happy birthday before cheekily asking “can you play up front?”

Most Newcastle fans saw the funny side, though some voiced their disappointment at the decision not to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window as the club complied with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line until Isak gets back to full fitness.