Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe delighted by return of ‘key player’ as Chris Wood absence is explained

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes Callum Wilson adds ‘a different dimension’ to his side after the Magpies top goalscorer returned to the starting lineup for Monday night’s home game with Arsenal.

The former Bournemouth striker has been out of action since he suffered a calf injury in the home draw with Manchester United in December.

Wilson returned as a substitute in last week’s heavy defeat at Premier League leaders Manchester City and was named in the starting eleven to face Arsenal as Howe’s side round off their home games for the season.

Wilson was afforded his opportunity after fellow frontman Chris Wood was ruled out of the game with an injury - but Howe confirmed the New Zealand international should be available for Sunday’s season-ending visit to his former club Burnley.

“Delighted, delighted for him (Wilson),” he told Sky Sports.

“He’s a key player for us, it’s a different dimension to our frontline.

“We hope he gets through the game in a really good physical way - but we are delighted he leads the team.

“It was a slight hip injury for Chris tonight.

“(It is) nothing major and we hope he will be back for our next match.”