Callum Wilson passes Eddie Howe injury 'test' after impressive response to latest Newcastle setback
Newcastle United star Callum Wilson is already looking to the future after suffering another injury blow
Callum Wilson is no stranger to enduring lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury - and the Newcastle United forward subsequently knows exactly how to pick himself up from the mental anguish that accompanies being left on the treatment table for months on end.
Wilson, 31, is now preparing for another period out of the Newcastle team after a bizarre pectoral injury suffered in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. The striker has undergone surgery to fix the problem, with Eddie Howe hopeful the player's season isn't over.
After such a stop-start campaign for Wilson, few would blame the former Bournemouth star for a spell of self-pity as he begins his recovery. Howe believes the 'true test' of an injury blow is how quickly you can refocus your attention to the future, and it appears Newcastle's number nine is already thinking about his return after an incredible response to his latest setback.
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"There is a period when you get the news and anyone would feel a moment of sadness, despair and all sorts of emotions," the Magpies chief told reporters on Friday. "But the true test is how you quickly you can refocus on 'this is what I've got to do' because you can't change it.
"He's very, very good at turning around quickly to refocus and switch his goals. He's still got goals. I've had a chat with him and very quickly he has gone 'this is what I want to achieve by the end of the season'.
"It's very easy to wallow and think 'it's not going to happen to me this year.' He's not doing that. I've never written him off because I've seen him come back and achieve so many great things.
"It's such a difficult injury because how can you predict that's going to happen in that moment. I really feel for him."
Wilson suffered the freak injury in the 96th-minute of last weekend's Forest win, tussling with centre-back Moussa Niakhaté before clutching his shoulder in pain. The forward received treatment on the pitch as Howe initially kept his fingers crossed over the diagnosis.
Wilson's upcoming absence adds to Newcastle's woes, with strike partner Alexander Isak is also ruled out at present. Anthony Gordon is subsequently set to lead the line for the Magpies against Bournemouth this weekend.