Joe Willock will miss the rest of the campaign in the latest injury blow for Newcastle – as it’s decided midfielder should rest troublesome achilles in order to be fully fit for pre-season
- The 24-year-old has been struggling with the problem since the start of the season
- Willock returned in February, but the pain has not completely gone away
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Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock will not play again this season after the decision was made to give his troublesome Achilles a period of rest, Mail Sport can reveal.
The 24-year-old has been plagued by the problem since the start of the season and after returning in October, he suffered a recurrence the following month.
Willock returned in February but the pain has not completely gone away and he will now sit out the remaining six games.
After a visit to a specialist it was confirmed that in theory he could continue playing, but we understand that the plan is to combine a program of rest and strength work to get the Achilles just before the pre-season.
Eddie Howe wants to rid Willock of the problem for good and with the player having performed below his usual high standards in recent weeks, calling time on his campaign is considered the best option.
Newcastle’s Joe Willock will not play again this season due to a persistent Achilles injury
The 24-year-old has been plagued by this problem since the start of the 2023/2024 season.
Eddie Howe wants Willock to be rid of the problem for good and ready for Newcastle’s pre-season
It means the former Arsenal star will opt out after making just nine starts and five substitutes and scoring two goals this season. Willock’s absence was a blow for Howe, who really values his energy and ball-carrying ability.
However, Elliot Anderson’s return to fitness has given the head coach a new option in midfield, while it is still hoped Joelinton can play before the end of the season as he recovers from a thigh injury.
