Journalist provides update on Newcastle ace Joe Willock fitness amid injury scare

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There is fear that Newcastle could be without Joe Willock for this weekend’s trip to Watford due to injury.

The 22-year-old has been pictured wearing protective boot this week as a precaution, but according to Craig Hope, the Daily Mail’s North-East Football Correspondent, there is no serious damage to the foot such as a break.

Newcastle had a similar situation earlier in the month when Ryan Fraser was spotted on crutches following an injury he sustained during the international break with Scotland.

The winger missed the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford but came off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Leeds last week.

It could well be that the same happens with Willock and the £25m signing (Sky Sports) from Arsenal misses the clash against the Hornets but is fit enough to return for the trip to Molineux.

Fans will pray Joe Willock injury isn’t too big a concern

Losing Willock for a game that Steve Bruce will believe his side can register their first win of the season would be a blow.

Although he is yet to register his first goal or assist since joining the club on a permanent deal, Willock still leads the Premier League charts for the highest average number of tackles per game (WhoScored).

His all-action presence in midfield would be a miss, as would his ability to join in the attack alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton.

With Callum Wilson still on the sidelines, Bruce can ill-afford to have any more of his key players unavailable – especially in the games where the Magpies will fancy their chances of getting a win.

Let’s hope that Willock’s injury is minor and he makes a rapid return to the team. But whether or not he’s fit to play on Saturday remains to be seen. We will likely find out on Friday when Bruce speaks to the press.