Chelsea and Arsenal made aware of looming 'massive' Newcastle United boost ahead of fixtures

Newcastle United are close to a 'massive' injury boost ahead of fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal over the coming weeks with talisman Callum Wilson edging towards a return from injury.

The Magpies are enduring a tricky run of form having not won in the Premier League since a trip to Wolves in mid September. Eddie Howe's side were beaten 1-0 by Brighton at St James' Park on Saturday after draws with Everton and Manchester City, as well as a defeat at the hands of Fulham.

Newcastle United struggle for goals ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal

Newcastle United have scored just two goals in their last four league fixtures and are missing firepower ahead of a tricky run of fixtures. The Tyneside outfit make the trip to Chelsea on Sunday before welcoming the Blues to the North East in cup action next week. Howe will then face Arsenal at St James' Park at the start of November, in what has become a fiery rivalry in recent seasons.

Wilson, who scored nine top flight goals last season and 18 during the 22/23 campaign, has been sidelined since the summer because of back and hamstring injuries. The forward returned to first team training during the international break and, while Howe is keen to ease him back into action, the manager is aware of his team's need for goals.

Wilson will be ‘massive’ Magpies boost

Speaking ahead of the trip to Chelsea, the Newcastle United boss said: “He’s close. He's trained and looked really good, but collectively we have to make a decision on the long term interests of Callum. What we don't want to do is push him too early, so let's see how he does this week.

“It will be massive [Wilson returning]. You could see [vs Brighton], if we had a fit and firing Callum Wilson available, in any sense whether that's starting or coming off the bench, it will have lifted our performance. Not just the player, but the character of the player and the leadership qualities he possesses. He's been a big miss.”

Wilson has faced Chelsea 11 times in his career, scoring two goals and winning just two of those matches. The forward missed both meetings with the Blues last season with a hamstring and then a chest injury - Newcastle United won 4-1 at home but lost 3-2 away in those clashes.