Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed striker Callum Wilson is back in full training after two months out with a pectoral injury, but Joe Willock and Lewis Miley won’t play again this season.
Wilson underwent surgery on what Howe described as a “strange” injury in February, having hurt himself late on in Newcastle’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
A timeline of around three months was placed on the striker’s recovery, but he could be back slightly sooner than anticipated after returning to team training last week.
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Speaking at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Howe said of Wilson: “He’s trained very well and it’s been good to have him back.
“He’s been able to focus on his legs and his running and he’s come back looking really good. Hopefully he can hit the ground running.
“Callum’s game is very physical. He wants to get into those duels, that’s one of his big strengths. So getting confident in those situations this week has been a big thing for him.”
🎙️ Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of our return to action at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
“The players had a couple of days off. We have tried to use the time productively; the lads are feeling good about themselves. We don’t want to lose our rhythm. We have tried to keep… pic.twitter.com/uWgonj9ktq
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 23, 2024
Newcastle have been beset by injury problems this season, but Howe also revealed he is hopeful of having Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier available before the end of the campaign.
However, he does not expect to have a plethora of players back for the Magpies’ trip to Selhurst Park, adding: “We’re trying to get as many players fit for the games we have coming up.
“I think there’s been some misleading stories that players are training and close to playing when they’re not.
“I don’t imagine a huge change in our squad for tomorrow’s game but hopefully one or two players could come back.”
Two players who will not return in 2023-24 are midfielders Willock and Miley, who have heel and back injuries respectively.
Asked whether Willock will play again this season, Howe said: “We don’t think so. With Joe, we’ve decided that a period of rest, or a period strengthening the area around his Achilles, would benefit him more.
“We went to see a specialist and they said we had a few options. He could continue to play but I think the longer-term view was taken. Surgery wouldn’t be beneficial to his situation.”
On Miley, the Newcastle boss said: “The decision made on him again was for his long-term future.
“We won’t see him again this season. He’s done brilliantly but with the back problem he has, rest is the way to go.”
Back in action on Wednesday night! 👊
🔜 #CRYNEW pic.twitter.com/MYa8476oBZ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 20, 2024
