'Very difficult' - Newcastle United midfielder opens up after being ruled out for months

The 24-year-old midfielder missed the majority of last season because of an Achilles injury and hadn’t featured since his latest setback away to Fulham in April.

Willock was rested for the rest of the campaign but has trained during pre-season. The game against Urawa was his first outing, and he marked it with two assists for Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in the first-half.

The former Arsenal man was withdrawn at half-time in what was a pre-planned substitution following his lengthy absence.

“It’s great to be back,” Willock told reporters. “I think I’m still building and I’ve been doing work on the training ground to get me in a place to get back on the pitch.

“I’m really grateful for the staff at Newcastle and everyone that has helped me to get here and hopefully now I can continue playing and go into the season strong."

Willock missed last pre-season due to a hamstring injury and then suffered an Achilles issue that ultimately derailed his 2023-24 campaign.

“[Last season] was very difficult,” Willock admitted. “I had a lot of times where I was in pain and I was trying to get through it but I think I’m fully fit and I feel really good.

“I’m still lacking a bit of match sharpness but I know I’ll get there and I’m looking forward to the new season."

When asked if last season’s setbacks make him more motivated to make an impact, Willock replied: “100%, I’ve got my goals and my targets. It’s just about getting my head down and trying to push on this season. It’s a big one for me and hopefully I can show what I’m capable of. 

“It’s my first game since April. I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say I’m at my best but it’s a process and I’ll get there. Hopefully by the first game of the season, I’ll feel really good and can help the team out.”

One of Willock’s ‘dream’ aspirations is to one day represent his country. He is eligible to play internationally for Montserrat, who have looked to tempt him with a call-up - but the midfielder is firmly focused on Newcastle and potentially England in the future.

“I’ve got my screensaver on my phone as my aspirations for the season and to play for my country is one of the biggest aspiration I have,” Willock continued.

“Hopefully I’m taking things day-by-day, working hard in training and when I get the opportunity to play by the manager I can show what I can do and hopefully it takes care of itself. 

“England is one of the best teams in the world so to be involved in that is my dream. I’ll take it day-by-day for my club and hopefully one day I’ll get the opportunity and I’ll be very proud.”

Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!

Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo. And we’re proud to announce that our Newcastle United coverage of the tour has a sponsor! Every story from Japan is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions Ltd, with the shop’s official mascot Murphy!

Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.

For more information on Mobility Care Solutions Ltd click this link.