Originally Posted by
ex_pat_magpie
Good, encouraging news about the lad. It will be a boost to have him back in the squad, mainly for tactical subs particularly in midfield.
Eddie Howe has issued a new, positive Joe Willock injury update, with the Newcastle United boss 'hopeful' we will see the midfielder back in action before the month is out.
Willock has been sidelined since November with an Achilles issue, his second injury of that kind in just a matter of months. Before that the former Arsenal ace had missed the opening nine Premier League games with a hamstring problem.
Eddie Howe has issued a new, positive Joe Willock injury update, with the Newcastle United boss 'hopeful' we will see the midfielder back in action before the month is out.
Willock has been back out on the grass of late and working hard behind the scenes as his nears an eagerly-anticipated return. Howe's midfield options remain limited to just three regulars at present, meaning the 24-year-old will be welcomed back with open arms.
"Joe hasn’t trained with the group yet but is working really hard with the sports science team," Howe said over the weekend. "It’s an Achilles tendon injury. His initial injury was a hamstring, and he recovered from that fine. Then he picked up the Achilles injury.
"Anyone who has had those injuries knows how difficult they can be to manage. The medical team have been building him up gradually. It’s a slow process to build him up to the point where the Achilles tendon can withstand the rigours of Premier League football.
"There is no certainty until he's back that he will be back. So fingers crossed he will. He’s in the last stages of his rehab and he’s working hard and doing well. Will he play in February? I hope so, yes.”
Howe is down to the bare bones in the middle of the park, with Bruno Guimaraes walking a two-game suspension tightrope. Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley have also started alongside the Brazilian in Newcastle's last five games in all competitions.
