Callum Wilson says he was burning inside to go back to Bournemouth with Newcastle United but was not ready to risk his body after feeling some tightness. The Magpies No 9 has had plenty of injury problems during his time at St James' Park and was left out of the squad to face his former side.
Eddie Howe's men had to come from behind to rescue a point, with Miguel Almiron cancelling out Marcos Senesi's first-half opener, with the Newcastle head coach receiving a rapturous applause at full-time. Wilson scored scored 67 times in 187 games for the Cherries and had been tipped for a similar warm welcome but he had a slight concern with his hamstring.
Speaking to the Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson said: "I was burning inside to go back there, to a club that has been so good to me. But then in training I felt some tightness.
READ MORE: PGMOL confirm who David Coote supports amid Newcastle concern over fake photo
"That can happen when you're working hard. We'd worked hard in previous games and we train hard too, similar to how we play. I can't take any risks any more.
"Too often I've been 80% fit, declared myself available to play and then ended up pulling up with something after 20 minutes. I'm not going to cross that bridge again."
The Magpies have the Carabao Cup Final on the horizon following a clash with Liverpool this weekend. Co-host Michail Antonio poked fun at Wilson for having one eye on the Wembley showpiece.
Wilson laughed and said: "That's not how it went down! I was so excited!"
READ NEXT
Jurgen Klopp sends 'really dumb' warning before Liverpool's 'difficult' game against Newcastle
UEFA dish out 'strong medicine' Newcastle will have to take if owners realise exciting dream
Meet the man behind £3.5m decision that has helped Newcastle make huge stadium breakthrough
Newcastle see 'excellent' midfielder get 'back to who he is' elsewhere just when they need one
Newcastle have found talented 16-year-old who's wowed staff and could be in squad vs Liverpool
