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Newcastle signed Callum Wilson from Bournemouth for around £20m in September 2020 Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says he "feels so sad" for Callum Wilson after the striker was ruled out for up to two months with a hamstring injury. Wilson only made his first appearance of the season last month because of injury and has played just 66 minutes across four Premier League games. The England international has scored 48 goals in 122 games across five seasons for Newcastle, but his time on Tyneside has also been hampered by a succession of fitness issues. "I really feel for Callum, " said Howe. "We see the work, the dedication, the professionalism that he's shown, not just in the recovery from this injury, but throughout his career. "To me he's an inspirational player and when you're in these moments, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him. "He's not cut corners - he's gone through a process to keep himself fit - taking himself away from family, seeking best opinions in the world. When you see him not get the results, I feel so sad for him. "He's been outwardly emotional to me. I've seen the hurt. But it gives him extra motivation to come back and contribute. " Wilson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, posted a message on Instagram on Thursday saying he needed to "take a little step backwards". "Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else, " he said. "I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster. " Howe also said goalkeeper Nick Pope is to see a specialist about a knee injury and is a doubt for Saturday's game against Leicester. The 32-year-old has missed just one match this season, a 1-0 Carabao Cup win over League Two AFC Wimbledon in October. "Initially we thought it was nothing, so I think he's seeking some specialist opinion today and then we'll see if he's available, " said Howe. Latest Newcastle news, analysis and fan views Get Newcastle news sent straight to your phone England drawn with Serbia in World Cup qualifying Premier League news conferences: 'I want my players back' - Guardiola on Man City injuries 'Postecoglou's trial goes on as Spurs held at Rangers' An epic story of life, love and loss A star-studded adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel set in nineteenth-century Russia The long history of UFOs in the United States Don explores the origins of the 'flying saucer' and the end of the stigma against researching UFOs Strike and Robin tackle their latest thrilling case Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger star in another masterful Robert Galbraith mystery The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney How one man controls the finances of vulnerable people The best pictures from the 2024 F1 season 'Spurs' lost tourists ransacked by revived Rangers' Is Man Utd keeper Onana part of problem or solution for Amorim? 'He's been watching Suarez' - the Chelsea fringe stars shining in Europe When is World Cup qualifying draw and how does it work? Why Alvarez is making Guardiola's 'mistake' fear come true Six countries, two hemispheres - how will 2030 World Cup work? Alonso 'still dreaming' of third world title What will a Saudi 2034 World Cup look like? 'The club should be equal' - what's going on with Man Utd Women? Inside Monaco's academy - where future stars are forged Has the Russell row made Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026 less likely? In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week How move to Atalanta transformed Lookman's career. Video How move to Atalanta transformed Lookman's career 'Scheffler makes points while impressing Woods with Tiger feats' When River Plate icon Diaz took over fourth-tier Oxford Why Raducanu is giving herself a 'pat on the back' for 2024 Did Ashworth pay price for Man Utd mediocrity? Hamilton to Ferrari and what else to look out for in 2025 Who are the World Sport Star of the Year contenders? © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.