EDDIE HOWE has admitted that Newcastle United still do not know how long Callum Wilson will be sidelined for – and expects an upcoming scan to determine how hard the club push to recruit a new striker this month.

Wilson injured his calf during last month’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, but while the England international will definitely be out for a number of weeks, initial tests have proved inconclusive when it comes to determining the precise extent of the problem.

Newcastle’s leading scorer is due to undergo another series of scans at the start of next week, which should provide a clearer picture of his recovery timeframe. In a worst-case scenario, it is understood there is a chance Wilson could not play again this season.

That would obviously have major repercussions in terms of the Magpies’ ongoing battle for survival at the foot of the Premier League, but while Howe has been assessing various attacking targets in the last week or so – Brazilian forward Gabriel Barbosa is known to have been under serious consideration – he accepts it will be extremely difficult to recruit a proven goalscorer in January.

Howe said: “We don’t have a clear diagnosis at the moment. Callum will have another scan very shortly to try to know exactly how long he will be out. There’s still a little bit of grey over the length of time.

“Depending on those results, that will possibly impact on what we do. But it’s all dependent on who is available and who we can recruit because it’s probably the toughest position at any time of the year to recruit in. The quality of players in that position is really very short on the ground.

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with Callum. I hope his injury isn’t serious and we can get him on the pitch as quick as possible because we know how important he is for us. Then, after that, we’ll make a decision.”