Eddie Howe has a major decision to make now that Callum Wilson is back in the Newcastle United squad for the Champions League clash with AC Milan.
The 31-year-old returned from a hamstring injury at the weekend, coming off the bench during the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. It was an eventful cameo for Wilson, getting an assist for Joelinton and having an altercation with Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Rival fans have been poking fun at Wilson ever since his reaction, but now the striker is turning his attention to the Champions League.
Newcastle need to win against AC Milan and hope PSG fail to beat Borussia Dortmund. If that happens, Eddie Howe’s side will progress to the knockout stages.
For the first time in what feels like forever, Howe actually has a bit of depth to his squad. He has more than 11 senior players fit, with Wilson giving Newcastle an extra option in attack.
When they are both fit, Howe rotates Alexander Isak and Wilson brilliantly. But without Wilson, Isak has been asked to play a lot of football – which has proven to be tough after recovering from an injury of his own.
But Howe has the option to rotate now, and his number nine has declared himself fully fit to start the crucial Champions League clash with AC Milan.
Callum Wilson is ready to start against AC Milan
Ahead of the AC Milan game, Wilson spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference. He asked if he is ready to start for Newcastle once again.
“Of course, born ready,” he said.
“You work so hard during your rehab that you can get back and tolerate any load and demand that is put on you. I feel like I’m in a very good place right now.”
It would be a surprise if Wilson is in the Newcastle starting XI
Despite Wilson’s vow, it would be a real shock if he did start. Howe has favoured Isak in the Champions League so far, with the 24-year-old starting every game he has been available for. He even got his first European goal in Toon colours last time out, giving Newcastle the lead in Paris.
That should have been an infamous goal, but the Magpies were robbed in the final minute after a terrible penalty call.
That has led us to where we are tonight, with Newcastle needing a favour from Borussia Dortmund.
With so much at stake, this game might be decided late in the day. That is why Howe might keep Wilson in reserve, then bring the £20million man on in the second half when he needs a goal. He even has the option of playing him alongside Isak, which we have rarely seen this season.
Wilson believes he is ready to start again, but that does not necessarily mean that he will.
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