Newcastle United received a big boost at the weekend, as Joe Willock finally made his return from injury.
His appearance was the only positive from the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. While Newcastle United were largely awful, it was great to see Joe Willock back in a black and white shirt.
He was lively when he came on too, and had a really positive impact on what was a struggling Toon team.
The 24-year-old did really well against his former club, and even marked his comeback with a goal. His smart header gave Newcastle a consolation, and a glimpse into the near future following his return.
It is great to have Willock back, and there is an outside chance that he could start against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
Eddie Howe has not ruled it out, but the Athletic’s Chris Waugh believes it might still be a few weeks before we see the midfielder back in the Newcastle starting XI.
Joe Willock unlikely to start immediately for Newcastle United
Waugh has been speaking about Willock’s return to fitness on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne.
“The positive I will take is Joe Willock’s return,” he said.
“Now, I will preface this by saying I had a conversation today with someone saying ‘oh it will be great because Willock can start next week’. I don’t think Willock is ready to start football matches and I think it’s going to be a few weeks before he will be because he’s played so few matches in recent months.
“He needs time.”
Newcastle must be careful with Willock
It was so exciting to see Willock back on Saturday. He was really impressive, and it is an early indication that he can have a big impact between now and the end of the season.
And it is even more exciting considering how desperate we have been for midfield reinforcements as of late. Sean Longstaff is struggling for form, while Lewis Miley could do with a spell out of the team too. At the age of 17, he has had to play way too much.
That is why it is great to have Willock back, but Toon officials will not want to rush him. It has been a frustrating season for him, filled with plenty of injury setbacks. The last thing he wants is to suffer another, which is why Howe will be extra careful when it comes to welcoming him back into the side.
Therefore, we might have to settle for Willock making substitute cameos off the bench to begin with.
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