Injuries are simply refusing to leave Newcastle United alone.
Last season, of course, was decimated by an unrelenting injury crisis at Newcastle, one that had the likes of Joe Cole suggesting there must be issues behind the scenes.
While there may be an element of truth to that, bad luck must also be taken into account – even if its not the only reason for so many absences.
Harvey Barnes, after all, suffered the kind of injury the club’s medical staff had never seen in football before only weeks after joining.
The hope will be that a reduced schedule this time around after missing out on European football lifts at least some of the demands on Eddie Howe’s squad.
Still, the injuries have not yet subsided. Lewis Miley suffered a foot injury and is reportedly expected to miss the start of the season, while news of another blow has now emerged.
Indeed, it could have an impact on transfer proceedings, too.
What Newcastle are currently working on in the transfer window as a new injury emerges
According to Mark Douglas of iNews on social media platform X, Callum Wilson is a doubt for the season opener against Southampton at St James’ Park.
That accelerates the need for a forward, which Douglas suggests the club are currently working on. He does add, however, that nothing is imminent.
Callum Wilson is a problem for Newcastle
It’s natural that Howe would like to keep Wilson, such has been his record in front of goal for Newcastle since joining from Bournemouth.
However, how long will the club have to see him injured before making a decision to upgrade? He simply cannot be relied upon to stay fit for any great length of time and, sadly, that is nothing new.
Seemingly struggling to sell him anyway this summer, yet another injury will not be helping move him on.
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