Eddie Howe says £20m Newcastle star is now really impressing in training

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Newcastle United could certainly do with some freshening up next week.

Indeed, the lack of goals in the team who last season bagged fewer than only Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool is becoming a major concern.

Alexander Isak looks way off the pace as things stand, while Anthony Gordon’s good performances this season have been few and far between.

Sadly, Newcastle did not significantly strengthen their squad over the course of the summer, meaning Eddie Howe will have to turn to internal solutions instead.

A trip to Chelsea on Sunday means things do not get any easier for Howe but the Newcastle United manager needs a quick-fire improvement. So little about this season has been convincing, even when his team have won.

Luckily, the club could get an injury boost in regards to Callum Wilson rather imminently.

Callum Wilson injury update for Newcastle

The striker is yet to feature this season but reportedly told people close to him before the Brighton game that he’d likely be fit, so certainly appears to be on the comeback trail.

Speaking after the loss to Brighton on Saturday, Howe revealed that Wilson was looking sharp in training and could be in contention for the trip to London next weekend.

“He’s close, he’s trained and looked really good,” he said (via The Chronicle).

“But collectively we have to make a decision for the long-term interest of Callum. We don’t want to push him too early so let’s see how he does this week.

“It’ll be massive for us. You could see today, if we had a fit and firing Callum Wilson available, either starting or coming off the bench, it’s going to lift our performance – especially with his leadership qualities.”

Callum Wilson has to start for Newcastle

In an ideal world, the £20m star would be eased back into action after such a long absence – particularly given his fitness record in general.

However, Isak looks a shadow of his former self and Newcastle need goals.

With that in mind, why not give Wilson a go from the off? It may not be a long-term strategy given he’s reportedly set to leave this summer but Howe needs rapid-fire improvements.

Undoubtedly a proven goalscorer at this level, Newcastle could do a lot worse than starting Wilson if he’s able to feature.