Newcastle United star 'missing' from training ahead of Chelsea clash - Eddie Howe set to provide update

Wilson hasn’t featured for Newcastle United since the final day of the 2023-24 campaign - a 4-2 win at Brentford in May - after sustaining a back and hamstring issue during the second week of pre-season.

The 32-year-old returned to training ahead of last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion but wasn’t named in the matchday squad but the decision was taken not to risk him.

“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,” Howe said after Brighton. “Let's see how he does this week.

The Magpies are preparing to visit Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm) and Wilson hasn’t been spotted in the training pictures released on Wednesday.

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However, Alexander Isak was and Howe will hope another week of training will help the Sweden international recapture his best form.

Isak scored 25 goals last season, becoming the first Magpies player since Alan Shearer to reach that tally, but has managed just one this season. The 25-year-old missed three games with a broken toe before returning to lead the line against Brighton, where he missed a number of chances.

"I don't know if his confidence has been hit,” said Howe. “I think Alex is a very strong believer in himself. Just the nature of any injury creates a break in his momentum and his training.

“I thought he performed really well today, lots of his aspects were very good but it was just that last part, which is obviously the most important part, was slightly off. But it is great to have him back and I think he made a difference to our general play.”