Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has revealed that striker Callum Wilson will be sidelined for a “number of weeks” with a hamstring injury.

In the build-up to the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Howe said that the forward was under assessment, having felt some tightness in the muscle but, after the game on Saturday evening, Howe confirmed that the 31-year-old was withdrawing from international duty and would be out of contention for some time:

“Yeah, he won’t travel with England. He’s going to be out for a number of weeks.”

It means that Wilson will definitely miss the Magpies’ next fixture against Chelsea later this month, and there is little chance that he will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League or take part in the Premier League game versus Manchester United on December 2nd either.

Newcastle may have another striker back available

The absence of Wilson will be a major blow for Howe but there is some good news on the injury front, with Alexander Isak expected to return to fitness after the international break.

After missing the last five games in all competitions with a groin problem, the Swedish international is set to make his comeback against Chelsea if all goes to plan.

There are still EIGHT other players on the treatment table

In addition to Wilson and Isak, there is nearly a full team of players currently out injured. Matt Targett (hamstring), Javier Manquillo (groin), Miguel Almiron (hamstring) and Sven Botman (knee) are undergoing treatment.

Elliot Anderson (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Jacob Murphy (shoulder) and Dan Burn (back) are long-term absentees, with most not likely to return for over a month or longer. With so many muscular injuries, you do get the feeling that the intense fixture schedule has played its part in the club’s lengthy injury list.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here