Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is hoping to avoid illness after admitting he currently feels ‘run down’.
The 30-year-old has appeared on the latest episode of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, and addressed how he is feeling.
Wilson has started six games in a row for the Magpies, and is enjoying a decent run of form. He scored against Tottenham, then followed it up with a brace against Aston Villa.
His recent performances could earn him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and the Toon number nine is on the 55-man longlist for the tournament.
Wilson is in with a shout, and needs one final push to secure his place on the plane to Qatar. That starts with this Sunday’s game against Southampton.
However, he has admitted he’s not feeling 100% going into the fixture.
Wilson hoping to avoid illness
Speaking on the latest episode of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson admitted to feeling ‘run down’.
“I’m feeling a bit run down this week, so I need to make sure that no illness kicks in fully and clear that out,” he said.
“Then we have a big week next week. We have the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, we’ve got Thursday squad announcement for the World Cup and then Sunday Chelsea at home.
“Big week next week coming up in terms of games and everything surrounding it so got to make sure I’m well rested.”
Wilson will need to check his calendar before next weekend, as the Magpies are actually playing Chelsea on Saturday evening at St James’ Park. He wouldn’t want to miss Newcastle’s last game for a month, would he?!
One last England push for Wilson
Hopefully Wilson is able to shake off any illness and play a big part at St Mary’s on Sunday. It’s a chance for Newcastle to make it four wins in a row, and Wilson will be keen to carry on his scoring run.
While talk of feeling run down is worrying, the forward has at least been pictured in training this week. Wilson was spotted in the photos uploaded by the club’s official website, alongside a returning Karl Darlow.
That should provide some encouragement that Wilson will be involved against Southampton. He will be desperate to play, as it could be his last chance to show Southgate what he’s got.
It’s the final Premier League game before the England squad is announced, and Newcastle’s penultimate league game before the World Cup.
Wilson is running out of time to earn his place in the squad, and has done all he can so far. If he can add to his tally of six goals in nine games, he surely has to get a callup from Southgate.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
