The Newcastle United games Callum Wilson could miss as Eddie Howe reveals injury blow

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out for eight weeks with a calf problem.

The 29-year-old visited a specialist on Friday to determine the full extent of his injury, which was sustained in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 27.

And Magpies head coach Eddie Howe has revealed the prognosis is set to see him sidelined for two months.

It was feared Wilson could miss the remainder of Newcastle’s Premier League relegation fight, and while he’ll miss the majority of it, he is poised for a return in March.

Callum Wilson injury update

Howe revealed: “He had a scan yesterday because there was a slight doubt in the first scan as we had to let it heal a bit further.

“We think he is going to be out for eight weeks.”

Howe was left without a recognised senior striker for the shock FA Cup exit to Cambridge United with Dwight Gayle missing from the matchday squad.

Allan Saint-Maximin started as the central striker, while Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser and Joelinton were also trialed there.

‘Not enough in front of goal’

Howe said: “It was a really difficult day for us.

“A lot of our play was OK up to the last part. And the quality was missing for us today.

“I thought we put a huge amount of crosses into the box with very limited success. We did create chances but didn’t take them. Their goalkeeper played very well, made a number of good saves.

“I think the longer we went without that goal, confidence seemed to dip. I thought the body language and the attitude of the players was good - I have no issues with that.

“We prepared and the players desperately wanted to win but we were just not good enough in front of goal.”

What games could Callum Wilson miss?

Watford (H) - Saturday, January 15, Leeds United (A) - Saturday, January 22, Everton (H) - Tuesday, February 8, Aston Villa (H) - Sunday, February 13, West Ham United (A) - Saturday, February 19, Brentford (A) - Saturday, February 26, Brighton (H), Saturday, March 5.