Newcastle United could do with some positive news after their disastrous summer transfer window.
The Magpies did not make any major signings, which means Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United squad is no stronger than it was this time last year.
However, Newcastle United do have the added benefit of having players back from injury and suspension, even if fitness continues to be a bit of an issue.
Joe Willock was the most recent Newcastle player to be forced off, having picked up a thigh injury during the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder was devastated to come off, having missed so much football last season due to injury. The fear was that he had sustained another serious injury, but that may not be the case.
Eddie Howe has said that Willock’s injury does not look too serious, which is a major boost.
Joe Willock will be injured for weeks rather than months
But while it is not a major issue, it remains to be seen when the 25-year-old will be available for selection again.
Speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has stated that Willock will be back ‘not too long after the international break’, with the prognosis being weeks rather than months.
“It was a strange one,” he said.
“The initial fear was that it could be his Achilles again. If it was, that would really have been a concern given all the issues he had last year.
“His trailing leg was almost caught. It turns out it is a bit of a thigh problem. It seem as if, hopefully, that’s a matter of weeks rather than months.
“Not too long after the international break, if the early prognosis is correct, Joe Willock could be back.”
Willock is an important player for Newcastle this season
With Willock expected to return in a few weeks, that is excellent news for Eddie Howe.
The £25million man can be a difference maker for Newcastle, and is expected to play a big role this season. Given how long he was injured for last season, some people at Newcastle see Willock as like a new signing.
His return will be an extremely welcome boost, but Toon fans will be hopeful that he does not rush back and suffer another setback.
Newcastle’s other injuries
At this moment in time, Willock is one of five senior players who is out of action due to injury.
Callum Wilson missed every Newcastle friendly this summer due to a back problem. He is expected to return soon, with Howe stating that Wilson would only miss Newcastle’s first few games of the season.
After Wilson and Willock, the next player to return could be Lewis Miley. The 18-year-old also missed pre-season, having suffered a foot injury. The Athletic reported in July that Miley could return at the start of October.
Newcastle’s long-term absentees are Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, after the centre-back duo suffered ACL injuries. They are continuing their recovery, and Howe has said that Botman and Lascelles could be out until the end of the year.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
