Callum Wilson of Newcastle United has been ruled out of Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland in the FA Cup third round (kick-off 8pm).
Wilson and England teammate Kieran Trippier were both absent from Newcastle’s 4-2 loss to Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Wilson will miss the games against Sunderland and Manchester City, according to Magpies manager Eddie Howe, while Trippier is a significant doubt for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
“Kieran has a groin problem,” Howe explained. “Both injuries were sustained against Nottingham Forest.” We’re not sure how serious Kieran’s injury is, but we hope to have him back soon; Callum will miss the next two games.”
The important duo are the latest additions to the club’s lengthy injury list, which includes Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Javier Manquillo, and Matt Targett.
After Newcastle’s seventh defeat in eight matches, Howe believes the quantity of absentees has taken its toll on his side.
“If you talk to any Premier League team and take half their team away, you’re going to notice that over a long period of time and over a month where you’re playing every three days, so I think we’ve been put in a difficult situation,” he added.
“The big thing I look for is the effort and commitment of the players. Was there today? Yes. As long as we have that, we’ll be fine.”
But Howe has instructed his players to put the Anfield defeat behind them and concentrate on the first Tyne-Wear derby in over eight years.
Howe’s side hope to become the first Newcastle squad to defeat the Black Cats since 2011.
“There is no point over-analysing what’s just happened, we’ll obviously do that in the goal light of day,” he said.
“However, we must look forward, and the players must consider Sunderland.” We understand how significant the game is for both the fans and our season. That is where all of our efforts are directed.”
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