'Slightly ahead' - Newcastle United star teases return after 'freak' 12 week injury blow

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has suggested he is 'slightly' ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury.

The Magpies' No.9 sustained a pectoral muscle injury during the closing stages of the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest on February 10. Wilson got in a late tussle with Moussa Niakhate and left the pitch using his shirt as a makeshift sling.

It forced Wilson to undergo surgery where he was given a recovery time of up to 12 weeks. And according to the 32-year-old, he is progressing well and is hopeful of returning before the 2023-24 campaign is over.

“Without giving away too much, I’m progressing nicely and things are going in the right direction," Wilson told Newcastle's matchday programme ahead of the 4-3 win over West Ham United.

"I’m on track in my recovery, if not slightly ahead of schedule, but with such a freak injury in the first place it’s a complex one to recover from so I have to make sure no corners are cut. But hopefully I should be back on the pitch before the end of the season

“I’ve not been out there training of late, but I’m around the dressing room, giving my support off the field as much as I can, and everyone seems in a good place."

Newcastle could be without 12 players for the visit of Everton to St James' Park on Tuesday night as injuries continue dominate the club's season. Nine games remain with United setting their sights on sealing European qualification for the second consecutive year.

It won't the Champions League qualify for, but a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League remain a possibility after Eddie Howe's side moved one point behind seventh place West Ham following their dramatic win against the Hammers on Saturday.

Wilson added: “There’s a lot of players coming back into the squad. Some have had a lot of games this season but tiredness is a state of mind and as a squad we all know what’s at stake and what we can still achieve this year.

"We’re all pushing in the same direction on and off the field, to do that.”