Callum Wilson has admitted that he can't wait to be a part of the 'buzz' around Newcastle United when he returns to action as the injured number nine hits his rehab 'hard'.
Wilson was initially ruled out for two months after suffering a calf injury in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United last December. However, Wilson's recovery has taken longer than he would have liked and Eddie Howe admitted last month that he did not expect the 30-year-old to play again until the final games of the season.
Wilson has since gone away as part of his rehab and the striker has certainly felt the benefits after 'progressing so much'. So much so, Wilson is 'positive' there will be a 'good chunk of games left' when he does get back on the pitch.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
"I had a good trip away," Wilson told the Footballer's Football Podcast. "I feel recharged, re-energised and we're hitting the rehab hard from now trying to progress and make positive steps in the right direction."
Wilson may have missed the last seven games in all competitions, but the striker remains Newcastle's top scorer with six goals this season. The goalscoring burden has been shared around in Wilson's absence in recent weeks - Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser, Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock and Joelinton have all stepped up - while new signing Chris Wood has led the line.
There was a time not so long ago where it was hard to imagine Newcastle coping without Wilson, but the Magpies have not lost a Premier League game without their top scorer in 2022. Having been keen to support his team-mates from the stands at St James' Park, Wilson has certainly been impressed.
"To be honest, the turn of form has been unreal by the boys," he added. "There's been a real team effort, togetherness, there.
"We went away to Saudi as a team as well and had some team bonding. That seems to have helped.
"It's like anything, really. If you get one taste of success and you get the right formula, and know how you got that and you keep applying yourselves correctly, you'll keep getting end results. That's what the boys have done.
"They've got confidence spiralling upwards in a positive direction. We're now in a position where we're looking over our shoulder still, obviously, but also looking in front of us to who you can catch.
"I just can't wait to get back and be a part of that because buzz around the place is incredible. I've seen it today now that I'm back in the country again.
"Everyone's upbeat and in a positive frame of mind. That's what you want from a football team. That's what you want as a football club. It's what you want to be involved in as a player."
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below.
