Yahoo News Newcastle training ground decision made, two players ruled out for season and Callum Wilson comeback
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed that Joe Willock and Lewis Miley will miss the rest of the season after two big medical calls behind the scenes.
Willock has endured a stop-start campaign after hamstring and Achilles issues but a decision has now been made to call time on the former Arsenal star's campaign with six games to go. Miley suffered a back injury after playing for England Under-20s last month after making his Newcastle breakthrough this term.
Howe stated to assembled journalists this morning that Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Nick Pope had not trained in the build-up to Palace but that he hoped they can all be involved before the end of the season.
Howe, speaking in his pre-match Press conference ahead of the clash at Selhurst Park, said of Willock's status: "We have decided that a period where he strengthens the area around his achilles will benefit him more. The long-term view was taken, we will get him right for next season.
"Surgery wouldn’t be beneficial for him in this situation. It is frustrating for Joe, but hopefully we can get to the situation where he is playing freely next season."
Moving on to Miley's situation, Howe indicated that there were no long-term concerns on the teenager but a common sense decision had been reached. Howe said: "We won't see Lewis again this season. A decision made on him again was for his long-term future. He's done brilliantly but with the back problem he has, rest is the way to go."
On Trippier, Joelinton, Almiron and Pope, Howe said: "We hope all four can play [this season], but it's difficult to put a date on it because none of them are training at the moment."
The big positive for Howe is that 32-year-old star Callum Wilson is close to a return for the first time since he injured his chest in the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest. The former AFC Bournemouth star is aiming to contribute in the run-in and has been spotted back in training in recent days.
Whether he is involved against Crystal Palace, Howe said: "Callum has trained really well this week; it has been good to have him back. The energy and quality that he brings, he has come back looking really good. We anticipate he will be able to hit the ground running and make an impact for us."
Howe had rewarded his players with a few days off after the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and believes his side are in a good place as they head to Selhurst Park. Howe said: "The players had a couple of days off. We have tried to use the time productively; the lads are feeling good about themselves.
"We don’t want to lose our rhythm. We have tried to keep everything the same, we have tried to make sure we are physically where we need to be when the game kicks off."
