Eddie Howe comments on Chris Wood injury scare after Newcastle friendly win

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are hoping that Chris Wood‘s back problem is ‘nothing serious’ after the striker was forced off with an injury scare on Thursday night

The striker, who had just celebrated his 31st birthday, started for the Magpies against Al Hilal in Riyadh. He led the line for Eddie Howe’s side, which was no surprise given he is the only fit senior striker that Howe has right now.

But his night was over before half time. Wood was taken off in the 39th minute, and appeared to be signalling that he had an issue with his back.

He was replaced by Sean Longstaff, forcing Howe to shuffle his pack. Allan Saint-Maximin went through the middle, then Joelinton took his place on the left flank.

The injury did not hinder Newcastle, who won 5-0 to lift the Diriyah Season Cup. However, it is cause for concern with domestic football resuming in less than two weeks.

Eddie Howe on Chris Wood’s injury scare

After the game, Howe spoke to NUFC TV and addressed why Wood came off in the first half.

“He’s [Wood] got a tight back, we hope it’s nothing serious,” Howe said.

“He just wanted to manage himself and didn’t feel he could continue. There was no point taking any risks.”

Hopefully it’s nothing serious

Newcastle return to competitive action on December 21st when they welcome Bournemouth to St James’ Park. It is an important game for the Magpies, as they go in search of League Cup glory.

Howe will likely put out a very strong team – within reason depending on the status of some of his players at the World Cup.

One player who always felt certain to start was Wood. He was in Newcastle’s starting XI before the break, and should stay there given Alexander Isak’s injury and Callum Wilson returning from Qatar.

But if Wood is now injured too, it will leave the Magpies very light in attack for domestic football’s return. That is why it is essential that Wood’s injury is nothing serious.

Hopefully that is the case. He did the sensible thing on Thursday night in coming off. There was no need for him to take any risks given it was just a friendly – even if it was for the prestigious Diriyah Season Cup…

Newcastle’s next friendly is on December 17th, when they take on Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park. Fingers crossed Wood is fit for then – otherwise it could be Saint-Maximin leading the line in the Carabao Cup.