SAD NEWS- Newcastle United star ruled out of next five matches following surgery bombshell which could result in dramatic transfer decisions
Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has recently provided an extensive update on the status of striker Callum Wilson’s back injury, which has raised concerns among fans and the club’s management.
Wilson accompanied the Newcastle squad to the Adidas Headquarters in Germany last week, an important part of their pre-season preparations. However, he was unable to take part in the training sessions and also missed the 3-1 friendly victory over SpVgg Unterhaching last Saturday. Howe explained that Wilson’s absence was due to a significant back issue that required specialized medical attention, a development that has cast a shadow over the club’s pre-season activities.
Following Newcastle’s solid 2-0 victory over Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, Howe provided further details, revealing that Wilson had undergone a surgical procedure on his back. This development has led to concerns that Wilson will not be fit for the opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season against Southampton, which is scheduled for August 17 at 3 pm. Speaking about Wilson’s condition after the Hull City match, Howe shared, “Callum received an injection in his back. Without delving too much into the specifics of the injury, it appears he had a disc bulge that necessitated treatment. He underwent an operation and is likely to miss the start of the season. However, with the schedule being week-to-week initially, we are hopeful he won’t miss many games.”
Wilson’s absence from the squad during such a crucial period is indeed a significant blow for Newcastle. The striker is expected to miss several of the club’s upcoming friendly matches, which include fixtures against Urawa Red Diamonds, Yokohama F. Marinos, Girona, and Brest. These matches are critical as they provide the team with an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and ensure player readiness ahead of the new Premier League season.
The opening fixture against Southampton is not the only important match Wilson is expected to miss. Following the Southampton game, Newcastle is set to travel to Wilson’s former club, AFC Bournemouth, at the Vitality Stadium on August 25, with the kick-off scheduled for 2 pm. This match holds particular significance for Wilson, as he has not yet had the chance to face his former club since joining Newcastle in 2020, having missed all four Premier League encounters between the two sides due to various reasons.
Adding to the complexity of Wilson’s situation is the ongoing speculation about his future at Newcastle. There have been numerous reports linking him with a potential move away from the club this summer. However, his current injury is likely to thwart any immediate transfer plans. At 32 years old, Wilson is entering the final year of his contract at St James’ Park. Despite the challenges, he remains a pivotal figure for Newcastle, holding the distinction of being the club’s second top goalscorer in Premier League history, surpassed only by the legendary Alan Shearer.
The uncertainty surrounding Wilson’s injury and potential absence from key matches is a cause for concern for Newcastle’s fans and management alike. His experience and goal-scoring prowess are invaluable to the team, and his recovery will be closely monitored in the weeks to come. As the new Premier League season approaches, Newcastle will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for Wilson, ensuring he can return to the pitch and continue to make significant contributions to the team’s success.