Expert shares ‘extraordinary’ Callum Wilson verdict after ‘massive’ Newcastle United news
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle are under “real pressure” to keep Callum Wilson fit after “massive” injuries to Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old is now the only Magpies forward capable of producing something “extraordinary” in front of goal.
As per Chronicle Live (16 October), Isak is likely to be out until December with a thigh injury, while Saint-Maximin will miss the next few games with a third recurrence of a hamstring problem.
Wilson has only just returned from a fitness issue of his own after enduring an injury-plagued 2021-22 campaign.
The England international has scored three goals and provided an assist in six Premier League outings this term.
Newcastle, who have conceded the fewest goals in the top flight, sit sixth in the table after another summer of investment from their Saudi Arabian owners.
Whelan claimed the Magpies will have to wrap Wilson “in cotton wool” between now and next month’s World Cup to avoid losing their “potent” streak in front of goal.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’re two massive players, and players who can make a difference for them.
“Now they’re under real pressure to keep Callum Wilson fit, because he is their main number nine now.
“They’re going to have to manage him very well until that World Cup period starts, wrap him in cotton wool and make sure he stays free of injury.
“He’s the player, bar Isak and Saint-Maximin, who can score goals and do something extraordinary.
“He’s the most potent forward they have. Almiron has had a good start, but they won’t be expecting him to be prolific.
“It’s so important that they keep Wilson fit now.”
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