NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Callum Wilson of Newcastle United (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring Newcastles fourth goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United star faces a five-month injury layoff when a new sickness is discovered.
After a hectic week, Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United’s roster is looking ‘very decent’ ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Sheffield United (4:30 p.m. kick-off).
While Emil Krafth recovers from an ACL injury, Newcastle will be without Joelinton and Joe Willock for the trip to Bramall Lane. The Magpies are coming off a 1-0 win against Brentford and a 0-0 tie at AC Milan in the Champions League.
Joelinton has been ruled out of the encounter after worsening a knee injury while on international duty with Brazil, while Joe Willock has been out since the start of the season due to a hamstring ailment, which was followed by a hamstring injury.
“We’re missing the two Joes in midfield,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference. “I think apart from that we’re pretty good.”
Howe went on to suggest Joelinton could be back in time for the West Ham United trip before the international break while Willock is likely to be out for another month.
“We’re hoping with Joelinton he could be back sooner [than the international break],” Howe added. “But with Joe Willock will definitely be after the international break.”
By the time Willock returns, he will have been out of action for around five months since picking up his initial hamstring injury against Brighton & Hove Albion in May last season.
Howe later confirmed that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka missed the trip to Milan during the week due to illness.
Callum Wilson came off the bench in the second half at the San Siro on Tuesday night but has not trained properly with the first-team this week.
“With Callum we always have to manage his load,” Howe continued. “That doesn’t change if it’s a single game week or three game week.”
