Newcastle United star leaves Adidas training camp as doubt cast ahead of Southampton opener

The Magpies’ No.9 travelled with the squad on Monday to their base at Adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach before retreating back to the UK to visit a specialist a few days later.

“Callum has just gone to see a back specialist just to have a little procedure on his back,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “It’s just something he’s been feeling a little bit so we’re just getting it checked out.

When asked if he could he miss the Premier League opener against Southampton on Saturday, August 17, Howe replied: “Let’s see.”

The 32-year-old has netted 48 times in 108 appearances since arriving from AFC Bournemouth for £20million, a goal tally that puts him second in the Magpies’ all-time Premier League top goalscorer chart behind Alan Shearer.

However, it is Wilson’s injury record that continues to spark frustration, typified last campaign when he missed 25 games in total.

Meanwhile, Howe revealed Joe Willock and Matt Targett are yet to train with the squad with the latter remaining on Tyneside. Lloyd Kelly didn’t trained with the group on Friday but Howe played down any potential concerns.

Howe said: “Joe Willock is fine, he’s working back. We do have a hangover of injuries from last year. Tino Livramento is still working his way back, Lloyd Kelly we’re just being protective over but he’s fit and fine.

“Matt Targett, Joe Willock, they are still working their way back to fitness and they haven’t started with the group from pre-season. Lewis Miley got injured, not with us but while doing some off season work.”