Newcastle United are set to return to competitive action at home to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, with the Magpies looking to pick up where they left off prior to the World Cup break.
Despite the notable excitement of the resumption of club football after an extended hiatus, manager Eddie Howe will no doubt be sweating on the fitness of his key individuals, particularly in the centre-forward ranks.
England international Callum Wilson was a notable absentee from the recent friendly triumph over Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park following his return from Qatar, with doubts creeping in as to whether the 30-year-old is carrying an injury at present.
While Howe has since moved to suggest the six-cap menace has not sustained an issue, the former Cherries boss was vague as to whether the striker would be in line to feature against his former club tomorrow evening.
More worryingly, the 44-year-old also stated that there is no fixed return date for summer signing Alexander Isak, with the club-record capture having been out of action since early September after making just three appearances for the club thus far.
Although the Tynesiders do have £25m man Chris Wood waiting in the wings for a chance – with the 31-year-old netting against the La Liga side last time out – the New Zealand international has hardly pulled up any trees in 2022 thus far, scoring only four times for the club to date.
That could well lead to an opportunity for academy starlet, Dylan Stephenson, to make his senior debut against Gary O’Neil’s men, with the 20-year-old having notably scored in the recent, 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabian side, Al-Hilal.
Following that late strike, the emerging talent was lauded for his performance by his manager, with Howe stating post-match: “You always remember the first goal you score. He’s a great lad, very hard working, great attitude, this is a great experience for him and hopefully the first of many.”
A player who clearly “knows where the net is” – according to journalist Craig Hope – the young Englishman has sparkled in the academy ranks in recent times, with five goals and two assists in just ten games at Premier League 2 level this season.
The youngster’s total record for Newcastle’s U21 side stands at 19 goals in 56 games, having previously scored 20 goals in just 39 outings, proving himself a truly clinical presence in front of goal.
The next test will now be to replicate such displays in the first team, with these latest injury woes ensuring it may well be an ideal time for Stephenson to earn his competitive senior bow this week.