Newcastle United suffer Callum Wilson blow with ‘no timescale’ on striker’s return

Newcastle United have suffered an early season injury blow with the news Callum Wilson will MISS this weekend’s trip to Manchester United, with no date set for his return.

And his former Bournemouth partner in crime, Ryan Fraser, will also have to sit out the weekend, although Karl Darlow is set to be back in the United fold.

On Wilson, who was taken off midway through the second half after scoring in the 2-2 home draw with Southampton, Bruce said: “Callum won't make the weekend.

“We are not going to put a timescale on it. Frustrating for us and for Callum. It is unfortunate he has the thigh injury.

“We know we are without out our striker who is capable of getting the goals.”

And on Fraser, the head coach continued: “Ryan won't make it either - twisted his ankle. Don't think it is as bad as the pictures shows. Won't be ready for the weekend.”

What Wilson’s absence means for Newcastle United?

With two goals in the opening three games of the season, Wilson is this season’s top-scorer, as he was last. The frontman netted 12 goals in his debut campaign on Tyneside.

That leaves Bruce with a big problem in the forward areas, with Joelinton or Dwight Gayle most likely to step in to replace Wilson. Miguel Almiron is another who could be used in the forward areas, as he was in the final game of the season at Fulham.

Further injury/selection news

Keeper Martin Dubravka remains out, with an expected return date pencilled in for October.

Elsewhere, Paul Dummett and Isaac Hayden are likely to return to the squad with youngster Joe White another who may be named in the travelling party, Bruce told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Elliot Anderson is back in first-team training for the first time since last season.