When Callum Wilson could return for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe provides injury latest

Callum Wilson remains in a fight to play again this Premier League season as the Newcastle United striker continues his recovery from a calf problem.

The Magpies’ top scorer has been out of action since limping out of the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in late December.

With a definite timeframe over Wilson’s recovery unclear, Eddie Howe previously said he hoped the 30-year-old would return for the final few games of the campaign.

And when asked for an update on Wilson at Friday’s press conference ahead of the Brighton game, Howe confirmed that remained the case.

But certainly, Wilson’s injury is no quick fix, with the player unlikely, at best, to return until late April or early May.

What Eddie Howe said about Callum Wilson’s recovery

“Callum is as we were really,” Howe revealed. “He’s working towards returning and working hard on certain aspects.

“He’s not running yet and we haven’t seen him outside yet but with the last update I gave you, he’s still on track from there.”

Speaking in February, Howe said: “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.”

Positive Kieran Trippier update

There was some positive news on Kieran Trippier as Howe revealed the right-back has had the stitches taken out in his foot.

Similar to Wilson, a fractured metatarsal for Trippier means he is also unlikely to return until the final few games, which is against Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley,

Perhaps there is a good chance neither player will play again this season if Newcastle have sealed Premier League safety by the time May comes around.

That said, Howe refused to say whether or not that was a realistic assumption to make. He said: “I’m not going to put my head in that space.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re still very much in a relegation battle. We need every player fit as as quickly as possible.”