Callum Wilson a concern for Newcastle with Premier League return on the horizon

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has cast doubt over the return of Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. The 30-year-old suffered what was described as a “minor strain” while at the World Cup, although he was named on the bench for England’s quarterfinal loss to France. Following United’s 2-1 friendly win over Rayo Vallecano, Howe revealed he does not believe the injury-prone frontman is still suffering with that problem, but was cryptic when asked why he held Wilson back from a United return, unlike the Magpies’ other two Three Lions.

On Wilson, Howe said: “We’ve only seen Callum briefly. I don’t want to give too much away to be honest.” When quizzed further on his vague answer, he continued: “Callum’s come back OK. As I say, with different training loads.

I don’t want to get too technical with everybody but with different training loads, we’ve just had to tread carefully with one or two players.” United eased to victory against Rayo, who fielded Radamel Falcao and former Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune, thanks to goals from Sean Longstaff and Chris Wood. Matt Targett netted an own goal to reduce the winning margin. Victory was claimed without the services of Wilson, as mentioned, and also Sweden international forward Alexander Isak, who has been out of action since September.

And according to Howe, it does not look like Isak, the Magpies’ club record signing, will be available when they return to competitive action on Tuesday, when Bournemouth are the visitors in the Carabao Cup. “With Alex there was no fixed return date with him. I think we’ve just tried to look at his recovery day by day, and get him to the best physical place he can be, in the ideal time,” said Howe.