Newcastle boss Howe updates on veteran forward's availability ahead of Arsenal clash

Newcastle United's 2024/25 campaign has been quite underwhelming so far. Although they have enjoyed a significant Carabao Cup run, the Magpies club has looked miserable in the Premier League, being winless in the last 5 PL matchdays. However, coming on the back of a convincing 2-0 win against Chelsea at home, Newcastle would want to continue winning ways as they host Arsenal next in the PL.

Newcastle boss Howe updates on veteran forward's availability ahead of Arsenal clash

But, that being said, it is quite certain that the Gunners won't be any easy on Eddie Howe's side despite their brilliant home record this year. Considering the form Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has been in, having a single game lost this season, they enter St. James Park being the favorites for the upcoming clash. Moreover, it seems that Newcastle would further miss their veteran forward as per recent reports.

For a long time, the Magpies club has been waiting for their seasoned star Callum Wilson's return; however, manager Howe's recent media address indicates another delay in his return. Already being out for more than 5 months due to a hamstring followed by a back injury, Wilson is expected to be out until the next international break.

Speaking in the pre-match media address, Howe updated on Wilson's recovery, saying,

"“There was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn’t push as hard as he wanted. We’ll see how he is, but probably with the two-week gap [the international break], it’s best to leave it.”"

- Eddie Howe

From Newcastle's perspective, the update comes as a huge setback, meaning that they would have to depend on priority forward Isak solely for yet another fixture. Although the Swedish star has been showing improved levels, having scored a goal each in the last two games, he is playing more than he should be, given he has arrived on the back of a toe injury. But that would remain the scenario as Newcastle prepares to face Arsenal at home.

As things stand, 32-year-old veteran star Wilson is expected to be back for Newcastle's first fixture after the break against West Ham. However, a lot remains to be seen as to how his recovery progresses going forward. Newcastle fans would hope that Wilson returns back after the international break, unlike facing any further delays.