Few Newcastle United fans could doubt the quality Callum Wilson brings to the side. In 2019-20, the year before his arrival, Jonjo Shelvey finished as the Magpies’ top scorer in the league, with six goals.
It was evident a striker was top of the transfer priorities as fans quickly realised Joelinton was not the answer - at least not up front, anyways. Despite clubs facing uncertainty due to Covid-19, Mike Ashley surprisingly granted Steve Bruce his wish by forking out £20million to sign Wilson from the recently-relegated Bournemouth.
Nobody can question the 30-year-old’s goal record since arriving on Tyneside. Wilson has bagged 20 in 44 top-flight games to emerge as Newcastle’s biggest goal threat.
Read more: Javier Manquillo attracts interest from Spain but could fight for his place at Newcastle United
However, the time he has spent on the treatment table is a serious cause for concern. In two years, the England international has missed 32 Premier League games through injury - almost an entire season.
The impact his absence has on United is backed up by the stats. With Wilson in the side, Newcastle average 1.23 goals per game, compared to 1.13 without. That may seem close, but bear in mind he missed the entire second-half-of-the-season resurgence under Eddie Howe in 2021-22.
Once Wilson returned to fitness in the final two games, the Magpies looked far more potent in attack. Arsenal and Burnley were terrorised by the striker who seemed eager to prove a point after five months on the sidelines.
That said, failing to sign a replacement - or even adequate backup - could prove disastrous. As it stands, the difference between Newcastle finishing in mid-table or potentially nicking a European spot hinges on Wilson staying fit.
Backing the ex-Cherries striker to fire the Magpies to glory would be a no-brainer if there were guarantees over his fitness. But, sadly, Newcastle fans have witnessed this gamble backfire before. Chris Wood remains the only first-team alternative for Howe as Dwight Gayle has been made surplus to requirements and told to find a new club.
Toon chiefs had their pants pulled down by Hugo Ekitike and his agent but seven weeks of the window remain to sign a striker. Should they choose not to, a game of Russian roulette will ensue.
Concerns over Wilson’s fitness would become embedded in Howe’s mind until January comes around.
READ NEXT
Real Sociedad respond to Newcastle United's bid for Alexander Isak
Crucial 24 days with Howe hopeful of striker deal in time for Nottingham Forest
Eddie Howe issues Sven Botman update and Armando Broja timescale emerges
Howe's hint at shopping plans, Anderson chance and Mainz 05 respond
