Howe hopeful of imminent Callum Wilson return to Newcastle first team

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United are “hopeful” Callum Wilson is close to a first-team return.

Images emerged this week of Wilson back at the Magpies’ Benton training base, just outside the city, taking part in light gym work and running outdoors.

The 30-year-old, who has been out since December with a calf problem, was only due to face eight weeks on the sidelines when diagnosed, but has been out for closer to 11.

And while offering a cautiously optimistic update, Howe accepts that he will have to wait a little while longer before Wilson is back in contention.

“We’re hopeful. His situation hasn’t changed from the update I gave you a few weeks ago,” said the head coach.

“He was out on the training pitch yesterday, a very, very light jog, but it’s the first time we’ve seen him on the grass, which was great.

“Whenever a player returns from an injury and you see them on the grass in their training kit, it’s a great thing to see.

“We hope to get Callum back but there is no guarantee at this moment. He’s still in the very early stages of running again.

“But he’ll be a massive player to get back at any stage of the season to give us a lift to go into the final few games.”

While Wilson is more likely to return next month at the earliest, one player who could hand Howe a boost is Joe Willock, with the player expected to be available for Thursday’s trip to Goodison Park.

Whether midfield partners Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey will be available remains up for debate.

Howe said: “Willock, yes. He should be OK. He had an illness but returned to training yesterday (Tuesday).

“Shelvey, we’re waiting to see. He hasn’t trained yet, so he’s a slightly bigger concern.

“Joelinton is going to be touch and go. We have