Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is reportedly facing up to 12 weeks out after being told that he requires surgery on a chest injury.
The 31-year-old appeared to be in some discomfort towards the end of the Magpies' 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest last weekend and was seen after the match using his shirt to put his arm in a temporary sling.
Newcastle were initially hopeful that Wilson had not sustained a serious injury and that he could feature in some capacity against former club Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after the win at Forest, manager Eddie Howe said: "It's a slight concern for us after the game. His shoulder is fine but he looks like there is a problem with one of the muscles in his arm. We're hopeful it is not serious but at this moment we don't know."
However, according to the Daily Mail, Wilson is set to undergo a pectoral tendon operation this week which could rule him out until early May, sidelining the striker for the majority of the campaign.
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Wilson will also miss England's international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March and is facing a race against time to be fit for Euro 2024 this summer.
The report adds that the best-case scenario for Wilson is a return at some stage in April – the Magpies have eight Premier League fixtures in April followed by three more in May.
Newcastle's No.9 has been hampered with several injury setbacks throughout his career and has already missed 13 competitive matches in all competitions this season with hamstring and calf problems.
Wilson was sidelined for five matches in January with a calf injury before making his first appearance of 2024 as a half-time substitute in Newcastle's 4-4 draw with Luton Town a fortnight ago.
The striker then managed to complete the full 90 minutes against Forest last weekend, but the injury sustained in the closing stages ultimately requires surgery and another lengthy spell in recovery.
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When fit, Wilson has been an invaluable attacking asset for Howe's side, scoring eight goals in 22 games this term including seven strikes in 16 Premier League outings.
Wilson's latest setback comes at a time when fellow striker Alexander Isak is nursing a groin injury and is currently regarded as a major doubt for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Howe has recently used Anthony Gordon as a central striker in the absence of both Wilson and Isak and may be required to use the winger down the middle once again versus the Cherries, which could see Harvey Barnes handed his first start since September on the left wing following his recovery from a long-term foot issue.
Newcastle, who were unable to strengthen their squad in January amid Financial Fair Play concerns, currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, level on points with West Ham United in eighth and five points behind Manchester United in sixth.
