Newcastle United have been hit with another injury blow which could leave them without a recognised striker after Chris Wood was forced off early while on international duty. The centre- forward was substituted after just half an hour of New Zealand's friendly loss to Australia on Sunday following a collision which left him feeling pain in his ribs.
Eddie Howe is already sweating over the fitness of a number of key first-team stars, with Allan Saint-Maximin suffering a setback in his return from a hamstring complaint. Bruno Guimaraes sat out Brazil's friendly win over Ghana on Friday due to concern over a thigh injury, while Alexander Isak withdrew from international duty with Sweden with an unspecified injury.
Callum Wilson has missed Newcastle's last four Premier League fixtures, but could be in line for a return to action next weekend against Fulham. The 30-year-old recently claimed he was '50/50' for a comeback against former side Bournemouth, but no return date has yet been given.
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With Isak and Wilson potentially sidelined for the upcoming trip to Craven Cottage, Wood was in line for his second league start of the season. However, the January signing is now himself a doubt after being withdrawn early during New Zealand's defeat at Eden Park.
When asked for the reason behind his early substitution, Wood told Newshub Sport: “I went in for a collision and something popped in my rib. It hurt to run and breathe so I had to come off."
Wood was pictured signing autographs and posing for photos during the half-time break, and spoke to the media in the post-match press conference. The former Burnley striker could yet be fit in time for the Magpies' fixture on Saturday, but it is another concern for Howe to ponder as he bids to lead his side to only their second league win of the season.
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