Newcastle United will make ‘late call’ on player’s selection ahead of Wolves clash plus illness concern

Newcastle United will make a late call on Joe Willock ahead of facing Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been hammered by a knee injury this week, which has made him a doubt for Friday night’s clash at St James’ Park.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe explained: “Joe Willock has a slight knee problem. It’s been there for a couple of weeks, so we’re going to make a late call.

“We don’t think it’s anything serious but certainly he’s become a little bit more aware of it in training and I think it’s something we just need to stay on top of.”

Howe did not reveal any further injury concerns with Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson still recovering but did confirm illness still lingered in United’s camp.

“There’s been a bit of illness in the camp for, I’d say, three or four weeks,” Howe said. “When these things go through your squad you’re always picking up the effects of it.

“We’ve had some illness this week and players struggling to get rid of things they’ve been carrying for a while.”

Will illness cause any players to miss the game versus Wolves?

Howe replied: “We’ll see. We’ve still got time before the game kicks off.

“Of course, you’ve got Covid as a problem and we have been affected by that in recent weeks.

“But there seems to be an illness going around, maybe not Covid that we’ve suffered with. We’ll wait and see if anyone misses the game.”

Howe’s side sit seven points above the Premier League relegation zone following Burnley’s 3-2 win against Everton on Wednesday.