Callum Wilson returned to action with a bang on Saturday afternoon, finding the net early on in Newcastle United's 4-1 victory against Fulham. Injuries continue to plague his career on Tyneside but you just cannot stop the man from scoring when he is fit.
Newcastle have desperately missed his presence in front of goal in what has been a frustrating few weeks for Eddie Howe and his side. Another hamstring injury forced him to spend a period on the sidelines in August and September but the Toon boss will be now hoping his main man can stay fit heading deeper into the campaign.
On a positive note for Newcastle, the recent spell on the treatment table means Wilson is now unlikely to make his way into Gareth Southgate's England side for the World Cup in November. The Three Lions boss isn't one to make rash selection decisions at the best of times, never mind make wildcard selections just before big tournaments.
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Wilson has always been in the conversation when it comes to featuring in Qatar this winter but has now probably missed the chance to audition for a spot on the plane. After a stellar start to the season before his injury, the 30-year-old could quite easily have occupied the spot taken by Ivan Toney during the recent international break.
But with Newcastle's No 9 staying at home over the winter, Howe has a much better chance of keeping him fit for the second-half of the campaign. Alexander Isak's setback means he may not enjoy too much game time alongside his new strike partner before the showpiece but could also benefit from some training with Wilson during the upcoming break.
Wilson may not see it this way but a five-week break where Newcastle can assess his fitness and training performances will be much more beneficial to the club than him travelling across the world for an international tournament.
Wilson showed just what it means to pull on those black and whites stripes on Saturday as he displayed his reluctance at being substituted in the 65th-minute of the 4-1 win. Howe was always going to replace him at the earliest of opportunities but the Newcastle boss still needed to explain his decision to an unhappy Wilson on the touchline as he made his way off to the bench.
Speaking after the win, Wilson said: "[Almiron showed] Unbelievable quality for his first goal and the second goal was great positioning. They came at vital times, we needed them goals at important times for us in the game. Miggy today was man of the match for me.
"The boys at the back were solid as well. Unfortunate to concede late on but that's football at the end of the day and with just a little lapse in concentration you can let them back in the game. But a positive performance, three points and we're looking forward to next week."
The challenge now, like always, is keeping Wilson fit. Southgate opting against taking to Qatar will be a giant help for Newcastle in their quest to do just that.
