£25m Newcastle player says he’s been going through the ‘hardest time’ of his career

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Newcastle United did not enjoy the best of nights on Wednesday.

Beaten by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Newcastle also lost Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy to injury.

Losing at St James’ Park having looked so good against Paris Saint-Germain only a matter of weeks ago puts real pressure on Eddie Howe’s team going into the return legs in both Germany and France.

Still, it wasn’t all bad.

Indeed, Howe was pleased to welcome Joe Willock back. Such a key player last season, the £25m star got his first minutes of the season in the second half.

Now, he has opened up.

Newcastle news: Joe Willock addresses injury nightmare

A mixture of injuries have denied the former Arsenal man from making an appearance and having him back has to be seen as a major boost.

Speaking of how missing so much football has impacted him, Willock gave a rather frank admission to the club’s official website after the game.

“It’s been the hardest time of my career to be honest,” he said.

“The last five months, having a couple of set backs and not being able to get back with the team when I wanted to. It’s really hard. But we have a tight group, a real brotherhood, and they have helped me so much.

“Even when I was doing my rehab a couple of the players came to watch me and it meant to the world to me, just to see they were supporting me through this time when I was injured.

“I really am looking forward to playing more minutes and competing and helping the team. I have a lot of fight in my belly built up over the last five months.”

Joe Willock: Huge chance for Newcastle star

With Sandro Tonali heading for a ban, Newcastle need Willock now more than ever.

Only Kieran Trippier registered more than his six assists last season, while his three goals from midfield helped cover for the absences of both Callum Wilson and Isak when injury struck.

As per WhoScored data, the 24-year-old ranked in the squad’s top five players for key passes (1.1), tackles (1.5), dribbles (1.1) and shots per game (1.7).

Not only is he another body to call on during the frantic festive fixture schedule, he offers real quality to Howe.