24-year-old Newcastle man is 'feeling ready' ahead of new campaign after nightmare season

As bad as Newcastle United's luck was last season when it came to injuries, there was one player who perhaps had it worse than anyone.

It's probably a close call between Joe Willock and Sven Botman as to who had the worst luck last year with Botman being plagued by a knee injury for a large chunk of the campaign only for his ACL to go completely a few games into his return.

That injury has required the Dutchman to have surgery which is expected to keep him out of action until the new year, although he is said to be ahead of schedule.

However, Joe Willock started last season out of action, and it barely got any better for the 24-year-old former Arsenal man.

Screenshot - @joewillock/Instagram

Joe Willock made just 14 appearances for Newcastle last season

After picking up a hamstring injury late in the 2022/23 season, Willock missed all of pre-season, and a huge chunk of the start of the season.

It was late October before Willock made his first appearance for the Magpies, in the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at St James' Park. He would only make another five appearances before an achilles injury put him out of contention until February.

That comeback lasted eight just games before the achilles injury returned and that was Willock's season over.

Fingers crossed we can get a full season out of Willock

Willock seems very determined to not let history repeat and is working hard on his training already ahead of the return to club's pre-season training next week.

Posting an image of himself lifting weights on his Instagram, Willock gave it a two-word caption that fans will certainly love to see - "Feeling ready".

Joe Willock's talent was sorely missed last season and we hope that he gets plenty more game time next season as without his natural attacking ability and desire to run at players Newcastle often felt lost last season.