Newcastle United’s striker issues look set to continue against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Magpies are grateful to have Alexander Isak fit once again, with the Swede returning last week after a broken toe. However, Isak squandered big changes as Newcastle lost to Brighton.
But at least Isak was there to miss those chances. In contrast, Callum Wilson missed yet another game due to injury. The 32-year-old is yet to feature this season, while Wilson was not spotted in Newcastle training on Wednesday.
That raised concern over his availability for the Chelsea game, despite Eddie Howe insisting that Wilson was ‘close’ to returning after the defeat to Brighton.
Injury update on Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
While he might have been close then, he does not appear to be close now.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Callum Wilson is probably going to miss Newcastle’s next three games, starting on Sunday away to Chelsea.
Newcastle then face Chelsea again in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before welcoming Arsenal to St James’ Park the following Saturday.
The Daily Mail state that Wilson was expected to be on the bench for the Premier League game on Sunday, only for the forward to suffer from muscle tightness. It now means his return is delayed again.
At the start of the season, Eddie Howe said Wilson would miss Newcastle’s first few games. We are now almost a quarter of the way through the campaign and the number nine is yet to play a single minute.
Wilson’s injury setback could give Will Osula a chance
It is extremely frustrating, but it could at least lead to more opportunities for Will Osula.
The 21-year-old has made three appearances since his summer move from Sheffield United, two of which have been off the bench in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe turned to Osula in the final stages against Brighton, but he was unable to find an equaliser.
It is clear that Osula is very raw, which is why Howe has been reluctant to utilise him. But Wilson’s injury issues mean that Howe does not really have much choice, which could result in Osula getting more minutes over the next week.
With Wilson set to miss three more games, it feels inevitable that Osula will get opportunities. He could even feature on Sunday off the bench at Stamford Bridge.
He clearly needs to improve, but Osula is an ‘imposing’ figure and appears to have the physical tools to become successful in a black and white shirt. He will get better with experience, and this latest Wilson setback could hand him the opportunities he needs.
If Osula does not play against Chelsea on Sunday, he will surely be involved in the Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday.
Given his fitness record, Howe will be reluctant to play Isak too much. Wilson’s injury continues to put pressure on Isak’s availability, and that could be why we see more of Osula over the next few games.
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