Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock's season looks like it is over after the former Arsenal star limped off against Brighton & Hove Albion with a hamstring problem.
It was a moment that resulted in genuine concern from the St James' Park crowd as he went down unusually following another busy shift. But despite Brighton losing the game fighting desperately to get back into the game, we saw one of the sporting moments of the campaign.
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For when Willock dropped to the turf, World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who'd only just come on to try to change the match for the Seagulls, stopped the visitors' attack and booted the ball out of play. It would have been easy for the Argentina star to keep things moving as Brighton fought to get back into things, but the concern for Willock was there from both sides.
Both Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier showed their compassion as the on-field captain consoled Willock while the club skipper accompanied him to thd dress room. Speaking at his Press conference today, Howe said: "We might lose him for the rest of the season but that’s unclear as I sit here now. "Fingers crossed, our team will still be strong.
“Sometimes, after a game, there’s a lot of emotion running through the players’ bodies so injuries can appear worse at that moment. I certainly hope that is the case and they wake up today feeling a bit better."
Willock's absence means Newcastle are likely to turn to youngster Elliot Anderson for the home clash with Leicester on Monday.
