Newcastle star set to leave for free with injury to put him out of January move

The 32-year-old striker has suffered a fresh setback just weeks after returning from a back injury.

Wilson's 129-day absence with the issue extended his time out with injury since the start of last season to 287 days.

He is now set to be out for another two months, according to the Daily Mail.

The former Bournemouth forward will be out until February with a hamstring strain.

Wilson felt tightness in his hamstring against Brentford last weekend before scans revealed the extent of the issue, the report adds.

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He had only been making his fourth appearance of the season, all of which have come from the bench.

The Magpies star will now miss at least 11 matches as a result, but that number could rise if Eddie Howe's side win their upcoming Carabao Cup and FA Cup ties.

Wilson's injury lay-off also all-but rules out a permanent move away from St. James' Park in January.

Instead, he is edging closer to departing on a free transfer at the end of the season.

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His contract is currently set to expire next summer after five years at the club.

Since his arrival from Bournemouth in 2020, Wilson has scored 48 goals in 112 appearances.

However, he has been hampered with hamstring and calf problems during that time.

Across his spell in the North East, Wilson has so far missed a total of 100 matches for club and country.

He now adds to a growing injury list for Howe to contend with going into the busy festive period.

Long-term absentees Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Sven Botman are not expected to return until the new year.

Meanwhile, Joe Willock could make his comeback from a thigh injury against Leicester on Saturday.

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