‘Slowly’ – Newcastle United fitness claim ahead of Nottingham Forest after midfielder ruled out of 37 matches
The visit of his former club on Saturday afternoon was only the second time Willock has started a Premier League game since March. The midfielder missed 37 matches last season due to a long-term Achilles injury, meaning Howe & Co have managed his minutes carefully.
Willock marked his first start of the campaign by scoring after just 30 seconds in the Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Nottingham Forest. However, he gave everyone a scare when he withdrew 15 minutes later because of a thigh issue.
It turned to be minor but in his next two appearances – Fulham away in the Premier League when he was hooked at half-time and the cup victory versus AFC Wimbledon – the 25-year-old still looked short of his best form.
Last week, however, showed signs of Willock being back to his best, starting twice in four days as Newcastle beat Chelsea and Arsenal. He was brought off with cramp against the latter but should be fine for this Sunday’s visit to Nottingham Forest.
Speaking about Willock, Howe said: “Joe is really well liked within the squad and a very popular lad. He’s got really good relationships when he is in the team with the players around him.
“I think he dovetails really well with Joelinton by interchanging positions. Joe and Alex also have a really good relationship too on the pitch so naturally when you have those feelings around certain players that can elevate the players around you. I think Joe is capable of that.
“He gave us a really good 60 minutes today before he faded and was getting a bit of cramp so I think it just goes to show that Joe has got more physically to come.
“He’s been out injured a long time and he’s not absolutely ready to play 90 minutes yet but he is slowly getting there.”
Kieran Maguire believes the cap of £105million losses over a rolling three year period for Premier League clubs that was introduced over a decade ago is in need of updating to reflect inflation. Maguire argues that the cap had ‘no logical justification’ when it was introduced and has restricted many clubs, including Newcastle, in the transfer market.
