Callum Wilson is now fit again for Newcastle United.
Wilson had mustered only four appearances across all competitions for Newcastle this season until Wednesday’s win over Arsenal but made his return against the Gunners.
Indeed, Wilson could start for Newcastle against Birmingham in the FA Cup on Saturday evening and, when fit, his record can hardly be questioned.
Keeping the 32-year-old available for any great length of time has constantly been an issue for Eddie Howe, as well as Steve Bruce before him.
Still, Howe is a huge fan of Wilson and believes his level is such that the club couldn’t possibly have signed a better player than him during the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe makes transfer claim about Newcastle United star Callum Wilson
Wilson has scored 48 goals in 113 games for Newcastle, a large chunk of which came during a period in which the club were fighting against relegation.
A proven goal scorer at Premier League level, Howe believes there was absolutely no chance of landing an upgrade on his level in January, even if Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s starting striker.
Asked about Wilson during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe said: “If he can stay fit he’s an outstanding centre forward.
“He’s got the experience that we would need in that position, the know how of how we play, the pace, the strength, goalscorer, so yeah, we wouldn’t have been able to recruit anyone close to his level I don’t believe in this window who would have been ready to play.”
Newcastle United have a major decision to make over Callum Wilson
Newcastle sources believe Wilson will return with a vengeance, determined to prove something this season after so many injuries.
That’s all well and good but little about his fitness record suggests he’s suddenly going to be available all of the time, even if Isak is the regular starter.
Howe is right, it will be difficult to replace someone of his quality when fit – and surely impossible during the notoriously arduous January window.
Still, Wilson’s contract expires this summer and keeping him would be as big a call as letting him go. If they retain his services, they take the risk of him not being around very often due to injury.
Let him go, and they’ll have to find a replacement as capable of scoring goals at the highest of levels.
Either decision is a big one.
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