Newcastle dealt major blow as Callum Wilson is ruled out AGAIN with a serious hamstring injury – just weeks after returning from four-month layoff
Newcastle have been rocked by the news that Callum Wilson will miss the next two months with a hamstring injury, Mail Sport can exclusively reveal.
The striker has only just returned from a four-month layoff, during which he suffered from a combination of back and hamstring problems. It was hoped that his presence would ease the burden on top scorer Alexander Isak.
But after making just four substitute appearances, Wilson and his boss Eddie Howe must now deal with the latest setback. It is a huge blow for both the player and his club, whose January transfer plans could still be affected by the loss.
The injury also rules out a possible sale of Wilson – his contract expires in the summer – and increases the chance that he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
We understand the 32-year-old felt tightness in his hamstring after starting the final 17 minutes of Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford. Howe has carefully managed his reintroduction, and the problem is thought to be in the opposite direction of his previous problem.
Scans have now revealed a strain serious enough to keep Wilson sidelined until mid-February at the earliest, a period that will include at least 11 games and possibly more should Newcastle beat Brentford in the Carabao quarter-final next week Cup.
Newcastle’s Callum Wilson will be sidelined for two months due to a hamstring injury
The forward had only just returned from a four-month layoff due to back and hamstring problems
For now, Newcastle won’t change their January transfer plans – Isak is fit and they see Anthony Gordon as his back-up – but an injury to either would see the money diverted to a striker. A right-sided attacker is the priority and, as in the summer, a right-sided centre-back is also a focus position.
Wilson is a hugely popular member of the squad and his loss comes a time when the team needs him both on and off the pitch. The Magpies are four without a win in the Premier League and have dropped to twelfth position.
The injury means Wilson will leave from 2024 after making just two starts for Newcastle in the calendar year. Although some supporters will undoubtedly be angry about the situation, there is great internal sympathy for a player who has worked around the clock. to overcome his fitness problems.