Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering a hamstring tear during the Magpies' victory over Southampton on Saturday.
The former Bournemouth forward was forced off 36 minutes into the first half, but Newcastle still managed to secure a 3-2 victory in his absence.
Wilson is Newcastle's top scorer this season with 10 goals in 21 Premier League appearances following his summer arrival from relegated Bournemouth. He has been responsible for 26% of his side's top flight goals this term - and manager Steve Bruce conceded it was a big blow, but remained hopeful others could step up and fill the void left by the forward.
"Unfortunately with Callum it's a tear to his hamstring and it could be six to eight weeks," Bruce said (via the Chronicle) "To lose your striker is a bitter pill to swallow.
"We hoped it was two to three weeks but unfortunately it's worse than that, we will be without him for six to eight weeks. It takes time and when you are pace and power like he is Callum, the rehab has to be spot on.
"Let's hope we can cope with it. Let's hope others can step up to mark and can grasp it."
SB on forward options:
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 11, 2021
"It's for anybody to step up. We all know what Dwight Gayle is capable of so we hope he stays well. The same goes for Joelinton and Andy Carroll. They're big boots to fill but there's an opportunity." pic.twitter.com/XcIq4Qff1C
A full eight week absence could see Wilson not return to action until the second week of April - missing seven Premier League fixtures.
The international break between March 22 and March 30 does slightly limit the damage. Given the timeframe for return outlined by Bruce, Wilson could be expected to be back in action for the visit of Tottenham on 3 April or the trip to Burnley seven days later.
Newcastle are currently 16th in the Premier League, 10 points clear of Fulham in the top flight's final relegation place.
Source : 90min