CALLUM WILSON remains in contention for today’s home game with Leeds United, but Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe will not be concerned if Chris Wood has to continue leading the line against his former club.

Wilson did not make the squad for the Boxing Day win at Leicester City as he was struggling with an illness, and while he has returned to training in the last 24 hours, he is still not back to full fitness.

He will be assessed again this morning before Howe settles on his side to face Leeds in Newcastle’s final game of 2022.

“We’ll see how he gets through (yesterday’s training session),” said Howe. “Callum’s improved. He trained with us (on Thursday), so yeah, he’s in a better place.”

Even if Wilson is passed fit to return to the squad, Howe has suggested he could be tempted to stick with Wood, who led the line impressively against Leicester.

The New Zealander opened the scoring from the penalty spot at the King Power Stadium and delivered one of his most polished performances since joining Newcastle in January.

As a former Leeds player, he will have an extra incentive to impress if he is selected in the starting line-up today, with his former employers having been linked with a possible January move to reacquire his services.

“I think Chris is adapting well to our style of play,” said Howe. “Last year, the team played a certain way and this year we’ve played a slightly different way where we are evolving and tweaking it every week, and I think Chris has really come with that.

“I’d say the last few games have probably been his best performances for us since he’s been here. I’m really pleased with Chris, he’s a very dependable character and player.”

Newcastle (probable, 4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Joelinton.