Joe Willock of Newcastle United in action during the pre-season friendly between Team K League and Newcastle United at Suwon World Cup Stadium on July 30, 2025 in Suwon, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)placeholder image
Joe Willock of Newcastle United in action during the pre-season friendly between Team K League and Newcastle United at Suwon World Cup Stadium on July 30, 2025 in Suwon, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Joe Willock.
But the good news is the midfielder isn’t expected to be out for too much longer after an Achilles injury turned out not to be serious.
The Magpies feared the worst when the 25-year-old was stretchered off during the closing stages of the 1-0 defeat to Team K-League in South Korea on July 30.
On first viewing, it looked to be an ankle problem but further assessment determined an Achilles injury. Given the player’s 2023-24 season was blighted by the same issue, another lengthy spell on the sidelines was feared among supporters.
But those fears were quickly allayed, with head coach Eddie Howe revealing after the game that it didn’t look like a “major, major injury”. A recent scan has since confirmed that to be true.
Eddie Howe provides Joe Willock injury update
Willock is already a fortnight into his recovering, with the hope he’ll be available in a “few more weeks”, according to Howe.
Working with that timeframe, the former Arsenal man looks set to miss the opening two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Liverpool but could well be in contention for the visit to Leeds United on August 30.
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It could, however, be that Newcastle wait until after the international break, which commences after the trip to Elland Road.
Speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last Saturday, Howe said: “We initially, as I said, feared that he would be out longer term. It did look like a nasty injury right at the end of the Tottenham game. I didn't like the way he went down and reacted to the feeling that he got. It did look like it was painful for him.
“Fingers crossed he's recovering well. He's been to see a specialist and the news is pretty good. So, a few more weeks and I think Joe will be back.”
Newcastle United close to midfield breakthrough
Willock is expected to face added competition for his spot when he returns to full fitness, with Newcastle pushing to finalise a £40million deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey,
Howe’s side have been in the market for a central midfielder after selling Sean Longstaff to Leeds United for £15m, with Ramsey’s imminent arrival taking the number of midfielders back up to six. With Howe operating with a three-man midfield, it gives the head coach the option to fully rotate his pack, which will be crucial with domestic and European football to contend with.
Ramsey, who is capable of operating in midfield or on the left-hand side of attack, has made 167 appearances and scored 17 goals for Villa after progressing through the academy.
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