'Strange' - Newcastle United issue Alexander Isak update as fresh surgery blow confirmed

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is facing months on the sidelines after sustaining a up pectoral injury picked up against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Wilson made his first start of 2024 at the City Ground as the Magpies claimed a 3-2 win. The 31-year-old was able to complete the game, he ended it with his arm in a makeshift sling in his shirt and has undergo surgery.

“It was a really strange injury," said Howe. "He got in a tussle with the centre-back right the end of the game. Initially, just from my view I thought he must have hurt his shoulder but it wasn’t, it was a muscle in his pec.

"We had it scanned and we hoped initially he could carry on and he felt good actually, he felt functionally fine and was moving his arm at full strength.

"But when he went to see a specialist, I think it was apparent quite early that he needed it operated on and he’s having that operation as we speak.” 

It's understood Wilson is facing nine to 12 weeks on the sidelines but Howe hopes the Magpies' No.9 can return to play a big part in the latter stages.

Howe said: “It’s no doubt a big blow for him because I think he’s looking at various things.

"His first priority is always Newcastle and he feels he has been a really stop-start season for him. He takes that burden of being one of our two strikers very seriously. He was very disappointed in that respect and of course, he had England on the horizon.

"We hope he’ll be back before the end of the season. We hope we will see him again but I’d never rule out anything for Callum, he could come back and still play an important part towards the end of the season for us."

Newcastle are set to be without a fully fit striker for Saturday's Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth with Alexander Isak still a doubt.

Asked when the Swede would return, Howe said: “Probably not for the weekend. He’s very, very, very close and is looking really good. I’m really pleased with the progress he’s made. I think mentally you can see he feels free and good, so let’s wait and see."