Eddie Howe says that the Newcastle United midfielder is a “big miss.”
Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has been in Spain this week as he continues his recuperation from an Achilles injury.
Willock has been out since May after suffering a hamstring injury in the Magpies’ final home game of the 2022-23 season.
The former Arsenal man was supposed to return in pre-season but sustained an injury. United had intended to have him ready after the September international break, but Eddie Howe stated following his previous outing against Brighton & Hove Albion that he had sustained a fresh injury.
“Joe’s had a bit of a setback with an Achilles injury,” Howe said to NewcastleWorld. “It’s not related to his hamstring problem, so I expect him to be out for six weeks.”
Willock came to Barcelona with club physio Daniel Marti to work on his recuperation while some of his colleagues are on international duty and the others prepare for Saturday evening’s Premier League showdown against Brentford (kick-off 5:30pm). Willock is set to return to full training in mid-October.
Howe has recognised that the 24-year-old is a major loss in his three-man midfield, with doubts raised about Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton after three straight defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
“I think it’s in its infancy, that has to be noted,” Howe added. “I don’t think that’s a criticism of any of those players, but it’s a new-look midfield, and it takes time to build the relationships where it’s automatic.”
“They’re all top, top players individually.” We’re losing Joe Willock, who brings a lot of vitality to the team. Joey pronounced himself fit yesterday, although his knee ailment was still bothering him. There are mitigating factors.”
Willock joined United from Arsenal two years ago for £20 million.
