Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is in contention to face Liverpool on Saturday, but has not trained all week according to manager Eddie Howe.
The Toon boss has spoke to the press ahead of the game against the Reds, and provided an update on his number nine’s fitness.
Wilson missed the draw with Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury, which handed Alexander Isak the chance to start. However, he was disappointing at the Vitality Stadium.
It had been reported during the week that Wilson would be available to return against Liverpool, and now Howe has provided an update on his condition.
Eddie Howe provides Callum Wilson update
The Newcastle manager has addressed Wilson’s availability in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Liverpool.
“Callum has been doing really well,” Howe said, as reported by the Northern Echo.
“As we said at the time, it was a very minor complaint for him.
“He hasn’t trained yet, but we hope he trains today and then he’s in contention [to face Liverpool]. The decision will be based on an assessment on whether he’s 100 per cent fit to play.
“He hasn’t trained to this point. The decision will always be taken on this game alone, not with a view to the future, and with a view on trying to keep Callum fit, as it would be with any game.”
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has commented on Wilson’s fitness, and posted on Twitter that the 30-year-old could make the bench on Saturday night.
Surely Alexander Isak will start vs Liverpool
It remains unclear whether or not Wilson will be fit for the Liverpool game. It sounds like he has a chance, but that will depend on how training goes.
But with it just being a chance, it feels incredibly unlikely that he is a contender to start against the Reds. It would be a huge risk by Howe given Wilson’s injury record.
Therefore, Isak will surely retain his place in the starting lineup. That will delight the Swede, who excelled on his Toon debut in the reverse fixture.
The 23-year-old scored a wonderful goal, and a narrow offside call denied him a second. But he caused the Liverpool defence plenty of problems, and will believe he can do the same at St James’ Park.
Starting Isak would be a sensible decision. Even if Wilson is passed fit, he should be protected for the cup final next week. Isak is a more than adequate replacement, meaning there is no real need for Howe to take a risk up front.
His comments suggest that Wilson is unlikely to start, but it would be a real boost if he is available to take a place on the bench. Hopefully he isn’t needed, as that would mean Isak has excelled against Liverpool for the second game in a row.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
