Newcastle United could be without a recognized senior striker when they host AFC Bournemouth at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the weekend, but Callum Wilson placed his arm in a makeshift sling after colliding with a Forest defender in the closing minutes, adding to his injury concerns.
Eddie Howe, United’s manager, remarked after the game, “We have a slight concern. His shoulder is good, but there appears to be an issue with one of his arm muscles. We hope it isn’t serious, but we don’t know right now.”
Mail Online has offered an update ahead of Wilson’s visit to his former club. They say the 31-year-old has a pectoral injury, which is the chest muscle that connects to the bones of the upper arm and shoulder, and is questionable for Saturday.
Wilson’s injury, which Howe termed as “freak” after Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope dislocated their shoulders, will leave the 46-year-old scratching his head as well.
Newcastle’s medical team hopes to be able to control the pain and allow him to play against the Cherries, but a decision will not be made until later this week.
If ruled out, Anthony Gordon might lead the line once more, with Alexander Isak also in doubt. The Swede has missed the last two matches due to a reoccurring groin ailment, and Howe stated on Friday that the 24-year-old has “no set return date.”
Here is Newcastle United’s current absence list in full, along with their possible return dates:
1. Nick Pope – shoulder
Pope dislocated his shoulder during the Premier League triumph over Manchester United, but he is recovering ahead of schedule. Possible return date: mid- to late March 2024.
2. Sandro Tonali – banned
Tonali has been suspended from football until August 2024, following an inquiry into unlawful betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
3. Joelinton – thigh
Joelinton had thigh surgery this month and will not be back until May at the earliest. Possible return date: May 2024.
4. Matt Targett – hamstring
Targett had hamstring surgery in early December. Could return to training in the following few weeks. Possible return date: Wolves (H) 02/03.
5. Elliot Anderson – back
Anderson is currently rehabbing from a stress fracture. Has been out since October. Possible return date: Chelsea (A) September 3rd.
6. Joe Willock – Achillies
Willock sustained a new Achilles injury in November, but he is almost ready to return. Possible return date: Blackburn Rovers (A), February 27th.
7. Alexander Isak – groin
The Swede is out for the second time this season due to a groin injury, and Howe says there is no set return date. Newcastle, on the other hand, hopes to have him back “pretty quickly”. Possible return date: Arsenal (A) 24/02.
8. Callum Wilson – arm
Wilson was in some discomfort at full-time against Forest due to an issue with one of his arm muscles. Howe hopes it’s not serious. Possible return date: AFC Bournemouth (H) 17/02.
9. Jacob Murphy – calf
Murphy was unable to come off the bench at Forest because he felt tightness in his calf during the pre-match warm-up. Possible return date: AFC Bournemouth (H) 17/02.
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