Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson has revealed his injury issues 'upset' him more than anyone else as the Newcastle United striker looks to 'get off this emotional rollercoaster'.
Wilson only returned to action last month, but the striker has now been sidelined by a fresh hamstring issue as he approaches the final six months of his contract. It caps off a frustrating year for Wilson, who made just a couple of starts for Newcastle in an injury-ravaged 2024.
Wilson has only played in 30 of Newcastle's 69 matches since the start of last season despite the former England international's best efforts to stay fit. In fact, Wilson has worked with a host of specialists away from the training ground in recent months and even enlisted the help of a movement expert who specialises in hamstring health before the start of pre-season. However, the 32-year-old is now set for another spell in the treatment room.
"Despite all the hard work I've put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys," the striker wrote. "Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.
"I will and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I'm hoping 2025 will bring. Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am."
Newcastle had been keen not to rush Wilson back from his previous hamstring and back issues in a bid to learn lessons from the past. The hope was that when Wilson did finally return to action, the striker would stay fit and no undue risks were taken. So much so that when Alexander Isak went off early on with a hip issue at Crystal Palace last month, Anthony Gordon led the line and Wilson only entered the fray with a quarter of an hour to go.
However, Wilson has now suffered another hamstring injury in a huge blow for the striker, who played a crucial role in Newcastle pulling clear of danger in both 2021 and 2022 before helping to fire Eddie Howe's team into the Champions League in 2023 as the club's top scorer.
"It is difficult because, naturally, every sportsman wants to be able to execute what they're paid to do and what they love to do," Howe said just last month. "Callum is one of those players that anyone who knows him and seen him work loves to score goals. He lives to score goals in training. He has just a brilliant mentality and when you're not able to do that because of your body, it's a hugely frustrating thing.
"He's had setbacks and various challenges but he always comes in with a smile on his face and always comes in with a positive mood. I've got no doubt sometimes he's coming in with that attitude and not feeling that way. He's almost acting to a degree because he knows the power of his personality within the squad. I can't speak highly enough of how he's faced his challenges in his career."