Newcastle manager Eddie Howe l
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe l
Eddie Howe has offered updates on injuries to three of his Newcastle United stars ahead of the meeting with Leicester City.
United's England international shot-stopper Nick Pope has been struggling with a knee injury and will seek specialist advice this week, Callum Wilson will be out of action for eight weeks and Joe Willock is touch and go to play against the Foxes.
Howe said: "Nick has carried a knee injury this week. Initially we thought it was nothing so I think he is seeking specialist opinion today and then we will see how he is after that."
Pope will be devastated if the injury proves to be long-term having missed the majority of last season with a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Howe confirmed that both Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos were on standby to face the Foxes at St James' Park. However, the injury to Wilson was more clear and he will miss all the festive fixtures after being ruled out until spring 2025.
Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the encounter with Leicester City, said: "His injury came on Saturday against Brentford, very late in the game, an innocuous moment.
"I really feel for Callum because we see the work, the dedication, the professionalism that he's shown, not just in the recovery from this injury, but throughout his career. To me he's an inspirational player and I think when you're in these moments for him, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him.
"There's been a couple of setbacks when he's looked like he's so close to training and playing regularly and building that resilience that his body needs to perform at this level. He has not cut corners, he's gone through a vigorous process to try and keep himself fit."
Howe tipped the No 9 to bounce back after his injury ravaged 2024, and said: "I've seen the pain that this moment's given him but I think that just fuels him.
"I think it gives him extra motivation to try and come back and to try and contribute in the way that he wants to because he's such an important player for us we've missed a massively."
When asked about former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, who missed the Brentford game with a hamstring injury, Howe said: "Joe Willock we have not seen train yet but he is making good progress."