After revealing that Sandro Tonali missed training on Tuesday and is now a doubt for the game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has delivered the much happier news that Callum Wilson has returned to full training.
Wilson’s comeback may be a game changer.
With “slight tightness” in his hamstring, the number nine missed the magnificent 1-0 Carabao Cup triumph over Manchester City on Wednesday and the deserved 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday.
Despite scoring in both games, Alexander Isak was tired at the end of the triumph over Vincent Kompany’s side and has been suffering a knee ailment of his own recently.
Since the latter part of the 2022/23 season, Howe has expertly rotated his two forwards, drawing the best out of each of them and propelling Wilson to the best goalscoring form of his entire career.
The number nine might make his Champions League debut.
Wilson came off the bench in Isak’s tough 0-0 draw with AC Milan at the San Siro two weeks ago, but if he demonstrates his health tonight, he might be in line to start against the French champions tomorrow.
He earlier stated on his BBC podcast with Michail Antonio how much he was looking forward to lining up on the St. James’ Park pitch with the Champions League anthem playing.
Wednesday evening could be his moment, with Howe likely hoping he won’t have to ask his Swedish striker to start a third game in eight days when he isn’t fully healthy himself.
If Wilson comes through training uninjured, the head coach will be faced with a difficult option. With both attackers available, Newcastle will be in a stronger position to win three points and £2.5 million in prize money, whatever he picks.
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