Newcastle United will begin the 2024/25 Premier League season without Callum Wilson.
The 32-year-old is currently unavailable due to a back injury, having failed to feature in any of Newcastle United‘s pre-season friendlies.
Callum Wilson will not feature in the Magpies’ season opener against Southampton, with Alexander Isak predicted to start for Newcastle United. He will be the main striker at St James’ Park this season, with Emil Krafth tipping Isak to score 25 goals.
As for Wilson, he will aim to push Isak and force his way back into the starting XI, with the forward potentially on course to remain at the club.
The number nine has been heavily linked with a move away, with Wilson seen as likely to leave Newcastle earlier in the summer. But he is still on Tyneside, and is edging closer to being fit once again.
Eddie Howe shares positive Callum Wilson update
That is according to Eddie Howe, who has spoken to the media ahead of Newcastle’s first Premier League game of the season at home to Southampton.
The Toon boss was asked about Wilson’s fitness, with Howe admitting that he is not too far away from returning.
“Callum will miss the first few games of the season,” he said.
“He’s making really good progress. He really feels good and wants to push a bit faster, but we’re just trying to manage him.”
Newcastle are not under pressure to rush Callum Wilson back from injury
In the past, Newcastle would have been extremely keen to get Wilson back as soon as possible.
However, the Magpies are now in a position in which they can take their time to ensure the England international is 100% right.
That is because Howe has another striker in his ranks, with Will Osula arriving from Sheffield United during this summer’s transfer window.
Osula impressed Newcastle fans on his debut, producing an exciting display on his first Toon outing against Brest last weekend.
It looks like the 21-year-old has a lot of potential, and he is well placed to reach that potential on Tyneside. Howe believes he can improve Osula, while he will also benefit from training alongside the likes of Isak and Wilson.
When all three of Newcastle’s strikers are fit, Osula will be third choice. However, he certainly looks capable of stepping up into the deputy role while Wilson is unavailable.
That will be the case to start the season, with Howe admitting that Wilson will miss the first few games. However, it sounds like a return is not too far away.
Then again, we have heard that plenty of times in the past when it comes to Wilson and his fitness…
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