Newcastle will be without striker Callum Wilson for another extended period after suffering a setback upon his return from injury.
The former Bournemouth player participated for only 66 minutes in the English Premier League this season, and is expected to be out of action for several more months.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “I really feel for Callum. We see the work, the dedication and the professionalism he has shown. Not just recovering from this injury, but throughout his career really.
“For me he is an inspiring player and I think when you are in these moments, for him, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him.
“He had some setbacks when he seemed too close to training and playing regularly and building the resilience his body needs to perform. He's not cutting corners, he's been through an arduous process of trying to stay fit.
Eddie Howe on Sven Putman:
“He's been training constantly for about four weeks but that's been the plan. We're taking medical advice and trying to follow the right protocols for the injury he's had to experience and making sure we give him the best chance of staying fit. The plan is… pic.twitter.com/IDiERxG84T
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 13, 2024
“When you see him not getting the final result this time, I feel very sad for him but I am rooting for him to come back and have the mental resilience he will need to fight again because we know his qualities and we are desperate to see him.” Playing again.”
Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also a doubt for Leicester this weekend due to a knee injury.
“Every season you have difficult periods”
Newcastle enter the weekend in 12th place – just five points off fifth place – and have conceded at least three goals in their last two Premier League matches.
But Howe is backing his team to recover, starting with Ruud van Nistelrooy's side.
“Every season, you go through difficult periods,” he said.
“When you are not winning consistently and you are not in your best rhythm, it is difficult but you have to find solutions and we are trying to do that.
“This week we have spent a lot of time seeing what adjustments we can make and how we can improve different functions of the team, and that never stops.”
