CALLUM WILSON will miss Newcastle United’s Friday-night showdown with Leeds United – and in another blow to the beleaguered Magpies, the striker could even be sidelined until the end of the next international break.

Wilson injured his thigh in the second half of last month’s draw with Southampton and was forced to sit out last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Steve Bruce refused to put a timescale on the England international’s recovery ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, but it is understood he has already been ruled out of Friday’s home game with Leeds.

He is also a major doubt for the matches against Watford and Wolves that precede the next international break, which means there is a chance he could not feature for Newcastle until the middle of October.

Such a lengthy absence would be a huge blow to Steve Bruce, whose position as Magpies manager has come under increased pressure in the wake of his side’s disappointing start to the season.

Newcastle head into Friday’s game sitting in 19th position in the Premier League table, still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Wilson is not Bruce’s only key injury doubt ahead of Leeds’ visit as the Magpies also suffered a number of worrying knocks as they were beaten by a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Manchester United at the weekend.

Joe Willock, Ciaran Clark and Javier Manquillo were all substituted during the 4-1 defeat, with all three suffering injury issues that will be monitored over the next couple of days.

“We have a disappointed dressing room, one with a few knocks,” confirmed Bruce at the weekend. “Joe Willock, Ciaran Clark in particular, and Manqy (Manquillo). We’ll have to see how they are – let’s hope they’re okay.”

Bruce is set to restore Karl Darlow to the starting line-up, with the goalkeeper having completed his recovery after contracting Covid.