Eddie Howe has delivered a worrying injury update on Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.
The 29-year-old has been on the sidelines since limping off in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in December.
Fans have been expecting Wilson to return to action in the coming weeks.
But it looks as though the former Bournemouth man could be out for longer, with Howe commenting on the situation this morning.
He said (via @NUFC): “As always with these types of injuries it’s not absolutely clear. We go more on how he feels than a specific time given by physios or doctors. It’s been slow progress for him – he’s off crutches now and walking normally which is a big step.”
The Mirror have published quotes from Howe saying that he hopes Wilson will be available for the final few games of 2021/22.
That is a sickener for Magpies fans, with Wilson obviously a huge player for the team.
It now puts big pressure on new signing Chris Wood to deliver goals in his absence.
Interestingly, Wilson recently stated that he wished Howe was able to bring in another striker last month. Perhaps he made those comments knowing that he would be out for longer than was first reported.
It now makes more sense that promising youngster Michael Ndiweni has been called up to the first-team by Howe.
Ndiweni has scored a dozen goals for the U18s already this season, and showcased his talents in front of Howe in the recent FA Youth Cup game against Colchester United.
Michael Ndiweni could have an unlikely role to play for Newcastle following Callum Wilson injury update
Perhaps it shouldn’t be all that surprising that Wilson could potentially be out for the season. But it’s a difficult update to stomach nonetheless.
Wood will be the man to lead the line in his absence. And the pressure on him to deliver the goods has now increased massively.
It is possible that young Ndiweni could be in line for some game time given the lack of options for Howe.
He does have Dwight Gayle, but he’s played just seven minutes under him so far. And he didn’t even get on against Cambridge United in the FA Cup.
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