Crystal Palace and Brentford blow as 88-goal Newcastle United bagsman in squad for first time this season

Newcastle United have welcomed back striker Callum Wilson into their matchday squad for Monday night's fixture against West Ham, in what comes as a huge boost to the North East outfit ahead of fixtures against Crystal Palace and Brentford.

After playing an out-of-sorts West Ham, Eddie Howe will take his side to Selhurst Park on Saturday before a midweek meeting with Liverpool at St James' Park. The Magpies then travel down to the capital once again on December 7, this time visiting the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford.

It looks as if Newcastle United will have Wilson available for all of those matches as he prepares to make a long-awaited return against the Hammers. The 32-year-old hasn't kicked a ball yet this season due to back and hamstring injuries.

A proven Premier League goalscorer, Wilson has 88 goals in 221 top flight outings for the Magpies and AFC Bournemouth. The striker has scored three times and picked up three assists in his 14 outings against Crystal Palace. When facing Brentford, he has two goals and two assists in 11 matches.

The Newcastle striker has been linked with a move away from St James' Park in 2024 with Chelsea and West Ham said to hold transfer interest in the player. Alexander Isak will continue to lead the line for Howe against West Ham on Monday night with Wilson given a place on the bench.

Eddie Howe speaks on Callum Wilson future

With Wilson out of contract on Tyneside next summer, Howe recently spoke out about the player's future and fitness record. He said, via NewcastleWorld: “Of course, there is [a scenario where Callum could stay beyond his current deal]. Callum’s got outstanding qualities. I know everyone in football has short memories, but you look at what Callum has done since I’ve been here.

“When he’s been on the pitch, he’s been incredible. That Champions League season, the way he and Alex dovetailed together, to help each other and the team produce some brilliant performances and results was brilliant to see.

“Now, for a long period of time, we’ve lost that ability to play them together or to help them share the load. That’s been a real frustration of mine and I know for the players themselves too.

“My wish for Callum is just that he gets back consistently fit. If he does that, then there’s no doubting his qualities. Beyond that, the future will take care of itself. I don’t necessarily get too bogged down or worried about that, it’s more about just helping Callum in the short term.”