Eddie Howe gives injury update on Callum Wilson after striker's clash of heads with Virgil Van Dijk

Callum Wilson was thrust into the starting XI for Newcastle United for last night's big game against Liverpool after Alexander Isak was withdrawn from the squad.

Eddie Howe had a sit down with Alexander Isak on Wednesday lunchtime to discuss his groin issue. While Isak said he was good to go, Howe took the decision to let him rest up and not risk exacerbating the injury.

That meant that Callum Wilson would make his first Premier League start of the season against Liverpool, and while he looked to have the legs to run still, his finishing was certainly lacking.

However, in the second half, there was a bigger issue with the number nine lying on the deck for several minutes receiving treatment after a nasty clash of heads with Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.

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Callum Wilson took a big blow to the head early in the second half last night

Wilson was okay to continue with a hefty lump of Vaseline above his eye but was withdrawn as part of a quadruple substitution 20 minutes later. While the other three players took their seats on the bench, Wilson headed straight down the tunnel.

Speaking after the game, Howe was asked for an update on Wilson's situation where he told reporters (via The Shields Gazette) that the striker, who turns 33 today, came through the game okay.

“Yeah, I think he's fine. I think he'll be pleased with his performance. We envisaged him playing around 60 minutes, I thought he led the line well.”

We expect Callum Wilson to lead the line again on Sunday

With Brighton in the FA Cup up next for the Magpies, there's a good chance that Callum Wilson will be in line to start that game, too, with Alexander Isak given more time to rest with the Carabao Cup final so close.

Callum Wilson already has a goal in the FA Cup, poking home from close range in the last round against Birmingham.

Brighton will be another big test for Wilson should he start, but hopefully he'll get more service on Sunday than he got last night.