'Never say never', Eddie Howe's assessment of Joe Willock knee injury

Eddie Howe has provided an update on injured star Joe Willock after he missed out on Newcastle United's 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The former Arsenal man picked up a knee injury in training but could be back in contention before the end of the season.

Howe does not believe Willock's problem is serious but did not want to risk him against European contenders Wolves at St James' Park. Howe said: "Joe wasn't going to make it, so we made a decision on him earlier in the week – I can't remember the day, but he's gone away, he's had an injection in his knee. We hope that that will fix the problem for him."

When asked how long he could be sidelined for, Howe said: "We don't think he'll be out long-term, we think it won't be long before he's back in contention to play, but until he's back, you can never say never. But we hope that's fixed the pain that he's had."

Howe was delighted with the victory over Wolves and reflected: "There's always pressure – I said this in the press conference the other day – there's always pressure. When you play here, the microscope is on you all the time and you have to give your all, and that's what I asked the players to deliver today. "I think they have.

"I just think we've got to focus on ourselves and know that we've got t to maximise every game, as I've just said, and look forward to the challenges that await us. We've got some tough games to come, but we'll try to embrace it."