By CRAIG HOPE
Published: 14:58 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 15:00 EST, 11 December 2024
Newcastle have been rocked by the news that Callum Wilson will miss the next two months with a hamstring injury, Mail Sport can exclusively reveal.
The striker has only just returned from a four-month layoff, in which he was suffering from a combination of back and hamstring issues, and it was hoped his presence would lighten the load on top-scorer Alexander Isak.
But after making only four substitute appearances, Wilson and his boss Eddie Howe are now coming to terms with the latest setback. It is a huge blow for both the player and his club, whose January transfer plans could yet be affected by the loss.
The injury also rules out the possible sale of Wilson - his contract expires in the summer - and raises the likelihood of him leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
We understand the 32-year-old felt a tightness in his hamstring after coming on for the final 17 minutes during Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford. Howe has been mindful to carefully manage his reintroduction, and the problem is thought to be on the opposite leg to his previous issue.
Scans have now revealed a strain serious enough to keep Wilson sidelined until mid-February at the earliest, a period including at least 11 matches and possibly more, should Newcastle beat Brentford in their Carabao Cup quarter-final next week.
Newcastle's Callum Wilson will be sidelined for two months after sustaining a hamstring injury
The forward had only just returned from a four-month layoff due to back and hamstring issues
For now, Newcastle will not change their January transfer plans - Isak is fit and they see Anthony Gordon as his back-up - but an injury to either of those would see funds diverted to a striker. A right-sided forward is the priority and, as in the summer, a right-sided centre-back is also a position of focus.
Wilson is a hugely popular member of the squad and his loss has come a time when the team needs him both on and off the pitch. The Magpies are four without a win in the Premier League and have slipped to 12th position.
The injury means Wilson will sign off from 2024 having made just two starts for Newcastle in the calendar year and, while a section of supporters will no doubt feel anger at the situation, there is great sympathy internally for a player who has worked around the clock to overcome his fitness issues.