Joe Willock, a midfielder for Newcastle United, has been in Spain this week to advance his Achilles injury recuperation.
Willock suffered a hamstring injury during the Magpies’ penultimate home game of the 2022–23 season, keeping him out of action since May.
The former Arsenal player had been scheduled to make a comeback during preseason, but a setback occurred. Although Eddie Howe confirmed following Brighton & Hove Albion’s most recent match that he had sustained a new injury, United had planned to have him available after the September international break.
“Joe’s had a bit of a setback with an Achilles injury,” Howe said to NewcastleWorld. Since it’s unrelated to his hamstring issue, I predict he won’t be available for about six weeks.
Willock traveled to Barcelona with club physio Daniel Marti to work on his recuperation while some of his colleagues are on international assignment and the rest are preparing for Saturday night’s Premier League match against Brentford (kickoff 5:30pm). Willock should start full training again towards the middle of October.
After three straight losses to Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton, Howe has acknowledged that the 24-year-old is a huge loss in his three-man midfield. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton have all been questioned about their performance.
The fact that Howe added, “I think it’s in its infancy, has to be noted,” was also observed. It’s a new-look midfield, so I don’t think it’s particularly a judgment of any one of those players, but it does take time to establish the connections that make it automatic.
“Each one of them is a top-tier player individually. Joe Willock, who brings a lot of energy, is not here. Joey declared himself fit yesterday, but his knee issue prevented him from being completely well. There are compensating factors.
Willock moved to United from Arsenal two years ago for £20 million.