Newcastle United just do not have much luck on the injury front.
While the international break brought Alexander Isak back into the fold for Newcastle, there has been another big blow.
Just when things appeared to be easing ever so slightly for Eddie Howe, he confirmed there was a fresh setback for one of his key players.
Indeed, Joe Willock is barely back from a reasonably long-term lay-off himself but was injured in training ahead of Saturday’s rampant win over Chelsea.
Joe Willock: Eddie Howe confirms injury latest
Speaking after the game, Howe lifted the lid on the £25m star’s fitness.
Having been so impressed with Willock’s return to action, the Toon boss spoke of the significance of his latest setback.
“It’s a recurrence of his Achilles injury,” he said (via Craig Hope on X).
“It’s a massive blow. We don’t know how long he’ll be out. We will seek specialist advice.”
Newcastle injuries: Crisis continues
What can you say at this point?
It is a real shame to lose Willock for what appears to be a reasonably lengthy amount of time.
So impressive on and off the ball during the win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, not being able to call on him for at least the game away at Paris Saint-Germain is seriously rather unwelcome news.
Luckily, Lewis Miley impressed against Chelsea and looks to provide a genuine option for Howe in the middle of the park. Still, promising as that may be, it’s asking a lot of a teenager to come in and keep convincing at the very highest level.
Willock’s absence is a major blow. An excellent outlet for Howe and one of many who has seen his Newcastle career transformed since the manager’s appointment, it’s just more rough luck for a player who just appeared to be getting going again.
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