Newcastle United benefited during the international break.
While Eddie Howe’s side did well to get back on track after three defeats in a row heading into the September break, the Premier League’s break this month had another purpose.
Indeed, Newcastle have been plagued by injuries recently, so a modest relaxing of the timetable will have given players more time to work their way back to full health.
Callum Wilson is one of them.
Howe will need the £20m striker, who came in against West Ham after Alexander Isak begged to be substituted due to a minor injury.
Wilson has offered a fairly cryptic update on his fitness ahead of a game against Crystal Palace, which Newcastle will be expected to win at home.
Newcastle team news: Callum Wilson provides cryptic injury update
The England international refused to comment on whether or not he would play on Saturday on the Footballer’s Football Podcast.
When asked about his current level of fitness, he stated, “I’m not answering that question because I don’t want Palace to know any details about me.”
Opinion: Wilson can give Howe a Newcastle selection headache
While it’s unclear whether Isak will play, the fact that Wilson received some minutes against West Ham before the interval suggests he could start.
If he does, the 31-year-old will have a legitimate shot.
Isak has mostly started all of the key games this season and, at 24, is clearly a better long-term option.
Wilson is still a prolific goalscorer in the Premier League. Even with a minor role this season, he’s scored four goals in just two starts.
Should he seize the opportunity presented by Isak’s likely injury, he might be the key man to rely on for the remainder of the Champions League campaign.
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