Eddie Howe now says Newcastle will be 'missing' 31-year-old for trip to Sunderland on Saturday

It looks like 2024 is picking up where 2023 left off for Newcastle United when it comes to injuries.

I mean, of course it is, New Year's Day isn't a magic reset button, is it? As much as we'd like to think it is.

Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson were both missing from the trip to Anfield last night that totally never happened and we absolutely didn't get played off the park for 97 minutes.

Trippier may be fit for Sunderland

Both players picked up knocks in the previous game against Nottingham Forest, which again, totally never happened. Neither is thought to be too serious, thankfully and Trippier could be in line to return on Saturday when we travel down the road to the Stadium of Light for an FA Cup third-round tie with our bestest friends, Sunderland.

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Callum Wilson won't be so lucky, unfortunately as Eddie Howe confirmed after the game that never happened last night (via The Athletic) that his 31-year-old striker is set to sit out the next couple of games.

“Callum will be missing the next two games.”

The true nature of Wilson's injury is unknown

We're not sure exactly what's wrong with the England striker, even the EPL Injury Table just has it down as a muscle injury with no specific area mentioned.

It once again highlights just how badly we need another striker as now we're left with Alexander Isak who has to do everything with no help available from the bench should need replacing for any reason.

It's highly unlikely we'll get one in before the game on Saturday so our hopes rest on Isak's shoulders for this one. In fact, we'd be surprised if we have any new faces in before the game on Saturday.