CALLUM WILSON remains an injury doubt for Newcastle United’s weekend game at Bournemouth – with Eddie Howe and the rest of the Magpies’ backroom staff yet to make a decision on whether the striker will report for England duty next week.

Wilson was replaced at the half-time interval of Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund after complaining of tightness in his hamstrings during the opening 45 minutes at Signal Iduna Park.

The striker will be assessed in training this morning, with Howe yet to make a decision on his involvement in Saturday’s teatime game at the Vitality Stadium.

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And while Wilson was named in the England squad for the forthcoming Euros qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia yesterday, it is far from certain that he will link up with Gareth Southgate and his international team-mates next week.

“Callum had a tight hamstring,” said Howe. “We’re doing various tests. He was called up by England, so we’re waiting to see if he’ll be fit for this game and then make a decision (on international duty) later.

“We’re going to see how he is this morning. Gareth, England and ourselves will be in constant communication anyway, as we are with all our international players, to make sure their welfare is thought about at all times.”

While Wilson has a chance of featuring against Bournemouth, Alexander Isak will definitely not be part of the squad to face the Cherries.

However, the Swedish striker has been building up his fitness levels on the training ground in the last week, and although he will not be playing for his country later this month, he should be ready to make a domestic return with Newcastle at the end of the international break.

“Alex is doing well,” said Howe. “He’s building up his load, and making sure he’s robust enough to return. I think his groin, touch wood, feels good at the moment. He’s on plan to return after the international break.”

Sven Botman has been in the Netherlands receiving treatment on his injured knee, but it is not yet clear whether the centre-half will be available to return when Newcastle face Chelsea in their first game after this month’s internationals.

“There’s no massive news regarding Sven,” said Howe. “He’s progressing well. He’s been away in Holland getting specialist treatment there. I think he’s back here today, so I’ll have a chat with him and see how he is.”