NEWCASTLE have been rocked by the loss of injured top scorer Callum Wilson for the next two months.
Steve Bruce doesn’t expect to see the 10-goal striker back until mid-April after revealing the ‘devastating’ news.
Wilson badly injured his hamstring against SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Wilson limped off early in Saturday’s 3-2 win against Southampton with a badly torn hamstring and Bruce said: “We hoped it was a grade one tear so he’d be out for two or three weeks.
“Unfortunately it’s worse than that so we’ll have to be without him for the best part of eight weeks .
“At least he doesn’t have to have an operation on it, but when you’re all pace and power like him the rehabilitation has to be spot on.
“It’s devastating news for us and for him.”
Wilson has been involved in 60 per cent of Newcastle’s 25 goals this season, and Bruce added: “You need your big players at the sharp end of the pitch so we’ve been dealt another blow.
“Without Callum it’s going to be hard because he’s been terrific all year and he’s very difficult to replace.”
Defenders Fabian Schar (knee) and Javier Manquillo (ankle) are also set to be sidelined until mid-April after picking up injuries against the Saints.
Newcastle were hit hard by a coronavirus outbreak earlier this season, and Bruce added: “It’s been the story of the season.
Steve Bruce will have to do without his star strikerCredit: AFP
“I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to pick my strongest line up. We’ve been without our best players for months.
“All clubs are struggling with muscle injuries with the sheer weight of games we’re having to play, it’s catching up with everyone not just us.
“You can never put a timescale on things, but it’s going to be April time before we see any of these three lads.
“Our luck hasn’t been great in that respect. We’ve been blighted with injury and illness this season.”
