Newcastle United striker set to miss Southampton opener as new surgery blow confirmed

The Magpies’ No.9 travelled with the squad to Germany last week before retreating back to the UK a few days into the camp to visit a back specialist

Wilson has since missed friendlies against German third-tier outfit SpVgg Unterhaching and Championship side Hull City, and isn’t expected to return before the season opener against Southampton on Saturday, August 27.

Howe’s men are in Toyko next week, taking on J-League sides Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F.Marinos before ending their pre-season at St James’ Park with Girona and Stade Brestois the visitors for the ‘Sela weekender’.

Howe told NewcastleWorld: “Callum had an injection in his back. Without going into too much detail on the injury, I think it was a bulge in his disc which needed treatment so he had that operation and I think he may miss the start of the season.

“But thankfully there are not too many games at the start, we’re week to week so hopefully he won’t miss too many.”

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.