This is when Callum Wilson could return from injury for Newcastle United - and it’s not good news

Newcastle United might not see Callum Wilson in action again until the final few games of the Premier League season.

That was the worrying update from Eddie Howe, who admitted there is still no definite return date for the Magpies’ top scorer.

Wilson injured his calf in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 27 and initial diagnosis suggested eight weeks on the sidelines.

However, Wilson, who has scored goals this season, has only just come off crutches and his “slow” recovery could see him out for longer.

‘Hopefully, he can make the last few games of the season’

Providing the latest on Wilson ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with Everton, Howe said: “There’s a time when he’s due back but, I think, as always with these types of injuries, is not absolutely clear.

“We’ll go more on how he feels than a specific time given by the physios or doctors.

“It’s been slow progress for him since the initial injury. He’s been on crutches. I think he’s come off those crutches now, and is walking, which is a big step.

“We all wish Callum to come back as quickly as possible, but when he comes back, he’s got to be fit and ready to give his best.

“I don’t think it’s going to be short-term. Hopefully, he can make the last few games of the season, and really help us in the key moment.”

‘A return date is unclear’

The two months timeframe in early-January suggested Wilson could return on March when United take on Brighton and Hove Albion and St James’ Park.

However, such date looks extremely unlikely - if not impossible - as Howe refused to put a definite timeframe on when the former Bournemouth man will be fit again.

Howe added: “We’re taking it by symptoms really rather than giving a time.

“I said right at the start it wasn’t clear from the first scan he had quite what the injury was.

“He’s gone away, he’s having intense treatment. We’re trying to give him the best care that we can as a football club.

“I’ll probably be better updating you further down the line as to a return date, but at the moment, that’s unclear.”

Pressure on Chris Wood?

The goalscoring burden will now lie firmly on Chris Wood’s shoulders. Newcastle signed the New Zealand international from Burnley in January after activating a £25million release clause in his contract.

Dwight Gayle is also an option but is often a name that goes under the radar with the striker making just four Premier League substitute appearances this season for a combined total of 27 minutes.

The Wilson news is perhaps worsened further by the failure to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard on dealine day.

United are fighting for top-flight survival, though a win against Everton Tuesday could see Howe’s men exit the relegation places.