Craig Hope has delivered a major injury update on Newcastle United star Callum Wilson, and the impact it could have on the club's plans for the January transfer window.

What's the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, he said: "Callum Wilson will have further scans this week to determine full extent & nature of calf/Achilles injury that could change NUFC transfer priorities. Hierarchy hoping for good news but early thoughts of 6 weeks have made way for concern it could be longer."

Then, in a follow-up article for The Daily Mail, he added: "Sportsmail understands they are yet to determine exactly how long the 29-year-old will be absent but further tests will give a more definitive timeframe and what treatment is required.

"There is also a danger the injury has affected his Achilles, and the prognosis will have a significant bearing on the club’s transfer business this month."

Big blow for Newcastle

The former Bournemouth striker has been a rare shining light for Newcastle over the past year or so and marked his debut campaign for the Magpies last season with 12 goals in just 26 Premier League games despite struggling for consistent action through injury.

This season has been a similar story for the England international, scoring six goals in 15 top-flight outings but spending the early part of the campaign out with a hamstring injury.

The £18m-rated Wilson has earned rave reviews in his time playing in the Premier League though, with Howe, who of course managed him at Bournemouth too, particularly fulsome in his praise of the centre-forward.

The Magpies boss said: "He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is."

News that Wilson's injury could be worse than initially feared is sure to come as devastating news for Newcastle and the club's fans, who have pinned their hopes on him to be the man to lead them away from the prospect of relegation.

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