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Joe Willock had been carefully managed by Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle United boss trying his best to ensure the former Arsenal player could return to action with the best possible chance of avoiding any new injury issues, following the sheer bad luck the player suffered last season.
An unused sub in the 10 man opening day win over Southampton.
Joe Willock then looked sharp and helped Newcastle United draw 1-1 at Bournemouth, coming on with 21 minutes to go and United trailing 1-0.
The Forest cup match was always likely to be his first start of the season and a sensational start to the match saw Joe Willock score only 18 seconds into the game.
However, only 10 minutes later Joe Willock going down in what looked severe pain, holding his thigh.
Willock came back on but lasted less than five minutes, limping off on 15 minutes.
Eddie Howe reported later that week after the Forest match, that initial scans were promising, suggesting no new major injury. However, the NUFC team boss exercised caution, saying that they would only know for sure once things had settled down and more scans done.
Great news now on Thursday, as it has now been made public (see below) that Joe Willock is expected to be back playing this month, with the injury said to be only ‘a small tear on the surface of the muscle’, that he suffered at Nottingham Forest eight days ago.
A swift return to playing by Joe Willock would be a massive boost for Eddie Howe, as Willock has shown, even in just these limited minutes this season, what an asset he is to Newcastle United and what a miss he was last season.
The Mail report- 5 September 2024:
‘Joe Willock is set to return during the next set of fixtures after the international break.
We understand that the scan on the thigh problem suffered at Nottingham Forest this month – on his first start since April – revealed a small tear on the surface of the muscle.
However, this is not a major problem and usually takes around two weeks to heal. The midfielder is a doubt for the trip to Wolves a week on Sunday, but Newcastle are relieved that the setback was not more serious, given his fitness issues last year.’
Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:
Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)
Tuesday 24 September 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+
Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

 
