Injuries have not proven particularly kind to Newcastle United this season.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side have done well to get back on track in the Premier League all while they are starring in the Champions League without many of their key players.
Impressing in the absence of some of the names who performed so well last season makes the work Howe has done all the more remarkable.
Hopefully, those problems will soon dissipate.
Certainly, it will be fantastic to see Joe Willock back in action. Yet to play this season, Howe has now provided an update on the midfielder.
Newcastle news: Joe Willock injury update and return date
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash at home to Crystal Palace, Howe confirmed the £25m star was closing in on a return.
While the Palace game will perhaps come too early for him, the 24-year-old could be back soon, albeit his minutes will be managed.
“I want him back but we have to do it sensibly,” said the Newcastle boss at Friday’s pre-match press conference (via the club’s Twitter account).
“He’s trained this week for the first time with the group but it’s probably a bit early for him to be involved in the matchday squad, but he’s getting closer. He’s a huge player for us.”
Opinion: Willock needed back at Newcastle now more than ever
With the situation surrounding Sandro Tonali unclear, Newcastle need Willock back now more than ever.
The club are in Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup action between the end of October and the start of November. After next month’s international break, the frantic festive fixture schedule starts.
Nobody other than Kieran Trippier contributed more assists than Willock’s six last season.
As per WhoScored data, only Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and the now-departed Allan Saint-Maximin played more than his 1.1 key passes per game, while the former Arsenal youngster also ranked in the squad’s top five for tackles (1.5) and dribbles (1.1) over the same period.
An all-action presence in the middle of the park, having him back will be a major boost. There is major excitement about it for a reason.