Wilson out, Pope fights for the Magpies

Newcastle will be without striker Callum Wilson for another extended period after he suffered a setback in his return from injury.

The former Bournemouth man has only played 66 minutes in the Premier League this season and is expected to be out for several more months.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “I really feel for Callum. We see the work, dedication and professionalism he has shown. Not just in recovery from this injury, actually throughout his career.

“For me he is an inspirational player and I think when you are in these moments, for him, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him.

“He had a few setbacks when he looked so close to training and playing regularly and building the resilience that his body needs to perform. He is not barking, he went through a strong process to try to stay in shape.

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman:

“He’s been training consistently for about four weeks now, but that was the plan. We’re taking medical advice and trying to follow the correct protocols for the injury he’s had to try and make sure we give him the best chance to stay fit. The plan is… pic.twitter.com/IDiERxG84T

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 13, 2024

“When you see he didn’t get the bottom line this time, I’m very sad for him but I’m rooting for him to come back and have the mental toughness he’ll need to fight again because we know his qualities and we’re desperate to see him play again.”

Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also a doubt for this weekend’s clash with Leicester with a knee injury.

‘Every season you have difficult spells’

Newcastle go into the weekend in 12th place – just five points off fifth – and have conceded at least three goals in their last two Premier League games.

But Howe is backing his side to bounce back, starting against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.

He said: “Within every season you have difficult spells.

“When you don’t win constantly and you’re not in your best rhythm, it’s difficult, but you have to find solutions, and we’re trying to do that.

“We’ve spent a lot of time this week looking at what changes we can make and how we can improve the different functions of the team, it never stops.”