The Joe Willock injury has been a telling tale of Newcastle's season so far. Those who keep to date with Newcastle injury news will know the Englishman has been sidelined for a long time now and this season he has been plagued by on-and-off injury concerns, which has been a detriment since we've missed his energy in the midfield.
There was subtle optimism that the Englishman was due to return to action this weekend as we face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, which would be a welcome match for Willock to return in since City have the best midfield in the league, if not world.
Newcastle injury news: Joe Willock injury woe continues in HUGE blow for Eddie Howe
However, that optimism has since been shattered as a devastating blow has been revealed. Although Willock's situation hasn't worsened, he is behind schedule for his return since it's believed to be another few weeks before he is fit enough to be in contention, according to The Athletic.
Unfortunately, The Athletic are the best in the game currently so this source can be trusted. That's all well and good when the news is positive, but Willock remaining injured is far from positive. Still, it's good that the club is taking all the right precautions and fans will need to ride it out a little longer until Willock is back to his best.
Willock is a box-to-box midfielder with a great ability to drive the ball forward at pace. This is, unfortunately, what we have missed in recent weeks. Willock's drive is a trait which is hard to replicate, but the news of his injury could inspire Eddie Howe to find something in the way of a replacement in the transfer market, with a few weeks remaining in the January transfer window.
What do you make of today's Newcastle injury news?