Newcastle United news: Chris Wood in line for axe after source’s team news update – pundit
It will be “very difficult” for Chris Wood to keep his place in the Newcastle United starting XI when Callum Wilson returns from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict as Wilson closes in on a return to action.
A Newcastle source told Football Insider on Tuesday (15 March) that the 30-year-old is confident in being available for the final five games of the season.
He is making good progress with recovering from a calf injury and has set a targeted return date of 23 April when Newcastle face Norwich City.
Eddie Howe’s side have not been affected by his extended absence with Wood leading the line.
However, the 30-year-old has managed to find the net just once in his 10 Newcastle appearances since his January move from Burnley.
In the 1-0 defeat to Everton yesterday (17 March), he had the least touches of any player to play 90 minutes (28) including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, according to sofascore.
Asked whether his place in the side will come under threat when Wilson returns, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “It’s very difficult for Wood because Callum Wilson played under Eddie Howe before.
“So that makes it difficult but I look at the way Chris Wood brings other players into the game. It’s not just all about the goals for strikers, his hold up play is very good.
“It will be good for the manager for them to both battle it out.”
Wilson has scored six goals in 15 Premier League games this season but this is not the first time he has struggled with injuries.
Newcastle are up to 14th in the Premier League and do not play again until they visit Tottenham after the international break (3 April).
In other news, a medical guru has revealed Newcastle United could bin Jamal Lewis after carrying an injury for ’14 months’.