Eddie Howe pays tribute to Callum Wilson after the Newcastle striker’s latest injury setback… with star facing another two months on sidelines to cap nightmare year
- Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has suffered another hamstring injury
- He picked up the problem just four substitutes into his comeback
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Eddie Howe has revealed that Callum Wilson paid for some of his own treatment in a bid to overcome his injury problems before suffering another setback this week.
Mail Sport broke the news on Wednesday that the striker will be on the sidelines for two months after suffering his hamstring injury during Newcastle’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford last weekend.
Wilson made just four substitute appearances in his comeback after a four-month absence with a combination of back and hamstring problems.
At that time he traveled to the likes of the Aspire Academy in Doha to receive specialist treatment, and there was hope that what the player called ‘an emotional rollercoaster’ was finally behind him.
However, Howe confirmed Wilson’s new injury on Friday and expressed his condolences for the nine-time England international.
“I really feel for Callum,” said the Newcastle boss. “We see the work, dedication and professionalism he has shown. For me he is an inspiring player.
Eddie Howe (left) has paid tribute to Callum Wilson (right) after the striker’s latest injury
Wilson has been sidelined for two months after suffering another hamstring problem
‘You have to understand how difficult this season has been for him. He’s had a few setbacks when he seemed so close to training and playing regularly. He cut no corners. He has gone through a vigorous process to keep himself fit.
‘I’m talking about the fact that he takes himself away from his family for long periods of time, devoting himself to no distractions, seeking out the best specialist opinions in the world, for which he is sometimes paid himself. So when you reach that level of dedication to giving yourself the best chance to perform, and to see him not get the end result this time, I feel really sad for him.
‘But I support him to come back and have the mental resilience he needs to fight hard again. We know his qualities and we would like to see him back in a Newcastle shirt and scoring goals.”
Wilson’s absence could now be an opportunity for Will Osula, the Norway Under-21 striker who signed from Sheffield United for £10m this summer.
Howe said: ‘I don’t like to use the word impossible (to replace Wilson in the transfer market) because I don’t believe in that, but it’s as close as you can get because Callum has the experience. know-how, everything you need to deliver that, he is one of the few people who can do that, who is available to us.
‘It’s a big blow, but I’m trying to put a positive spin on it. I’ve seen this many times where you injure someone and it opens the door for someone else in some capacity. Whether that be for Will Osula or anyone else who steps forward to showcase his talent.
“He (Osula) will have to step up and take every opportunity that comes his way. It has all the features you need. I think the fans who have seen him play in the short time he has played will have seen that he is big, very fast and strong. It just takes some refinement, and the only thing that can really bring that is time. But he will definitely get there.’
Meanwhile, Howe confirmed Mail Sport’s story that goalkeeper Nick Pope is struggling with a knee injury ahead of Saturday’s visit to Leicester.