Newcastle United star a 'big doubt' for two games after new injury concern
- Mike Johnshon
- 10 Nov, 2023
Gareth Southgate acknowledges that Callum Wilson is facing uncertainty regarding his availability for England's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
The 31-year-old commenced Newcastle United's 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday but was substituted at half-time due to hamstring tightness.
Following the match, Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe mentioned that it was premature to determine if Wilson would be fit for the upcoming match against his former club Bournemouth this weekend.
Despite the uncertainty, Southgate included Wilson in the England squad announced yesterday, but he conceded that Wilson's participation is currently in doubt.
"You would be amazed how complicated it is picking a squad because all clubs are sensitive to information and you're trying to piece everything together," said Southgate.
"I couldn't be certain that everyone who's in that squad will be there on Sunday night.
"There are varying levels of doubt. Callum is probably the biggest doubt but, equally, I'm pretty confident the others can get through and they're all keen to be in the squad so that's a really good sign."
If Wilson is unavailable for the Magpies' trip to the South Coast this Saturday, there's a high probability that Anthony Gordon will shift from the left-wing to the central striker role, replicating his position in the 3-0 victory against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week.
Despite being one of the most in-form wingers in the Premier League, Gordon was not selected by Southgate, and the same fate befell goalkeeper Nick Pope. Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier maintained his position in the squad.
"That is an area of the pitch where we have probably got as much competition for places as anywhere," Southgate added.
"You look at Jarrod Bowen has got seven goals this season already. Anthony Gordon is playing very well at Newcastle. Cole Palmer is starting to play well. It's just a changing landscape there."
England will play against Malta at Wembley next Friday and then embark on a journey to North Macedonia four days later. Southgate's team has already secured qualification for next summer's Euros.
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