Newcastle United star a doubt for Wolverhampton Wanderers clash after undergoing scan

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Newcastle United are set to have Joe Willock back ‘very soon’ after the midfielder avoided a serious thigh injury.

Willock made his first start since April in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest last week and opened the scoring just 18 seconds in. It was a dream start but a worrying end for the 25-year-old, who limped off in the 15th minute.

The former Arsenal man missed the majority of last season with a recurring Achilles issue. It left head coach Eddie Howe fearing the worst immediately after the match, which United won 4-3 on penalties, but he provided a much more positive update a couple of days later.

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Speaking ahead of the 2-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Howe said: “Joe had a scan [on Thursday], an early scan, it is relatively good news. I don’t think it is a serious injury, but it is early, so we will re-scan again in a few days just to confirm that.”

And on Wednesday, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell appeared to give an update on Willock’s second scan.

When discussing the players Howe’s side missed through injury last season, Mitchell said: "I think one thing that has been maybe underplayed is we don't have a very difficult European-positioned game in the week.

“Last year, I think all you guys would say, really caused us a lot of problems. And we have a squad availability last year that was at some points in the season 55 per cent. That's nearly half of your players injured. 

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"And if you look at the quality of players, let's say from starting X1, Harvey Barnes, Joelinton, Joe Willock. I know he got injured against Forest, but we all saw what he can bring to this team. He'll be back very soon.”

As per Mail Online, Willock is a doubt for the visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 15 but could return for the trip to Fulham the following weekend.

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