Callum Wilson negative can be turned into big positive for potential Newcastle favourite

Eddie Howe has confirmed Callum Wilson won't return until after the November international break as Newcastle United take yet more precautions with the injury prone hitman.

Wilson hasn't featured in a competitive clash for the Magpies since the final day of last season and has suffered both back and hamstring issues this term. The 32-year-old was scheduled to return in October before a minor setback that Howe insists is not a fresh injury.

"Callum is doing OK, he's building his load again," he told reporters on Friday morning. "There was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn't push as hard as he wanted.

"We'll see how he is but probably with the two-week gap it's best to leave it."

Howe recently stressed that the inability to play with two fit forwards - in Alexander Isak and Wilson - has hampered his side in the early stages of the campaign. However, the Newcastle boss did hand a significant chunk of game time to fellow striker William Osula in the midweek win over Chelsea - and the 21-year-old impressed.

The young forward still has a long way to go and work to do but is slowly beginning to show why Newcastle moved to poach him from Sheffield United over the summer. Despite no goals since his arrival, the Magpies faithful are enjoying what they are seeing from Osula, and you get the feeling he could become a fan favourite on Tyneside in the future.

Wilson's continued absence is a positive for him personally, with Howe likely to continue turning to Osula when Isak needs to be replaced or helped in attack. The striker enjoyed a 30-minute cameo in the 2-0 win over Chelsea this week, hitting the base of the post with an effort from the edge of the area.

Osula also showcased his pressing ability and clever runs in behind as he chased down that elusive first goal in a black and white shirt.

"There are big similarities for me between Lewis (Hall) and William Osula. Will needs time and patience," Howe said of Osula last week. "He certainly has the attributes but we as coaches need to take our chances to work with him in the areas of the game he needs. Everyone on the outside needs to have patience around his development.

"Lewis was exactly the same, I think the credit to Lewis is he got his head down and worked. The transfer fee can sometimes get in the way of that because there is an elevated expectation on the player. But Lewis stayed calm and saw the long-term development and now is reaping the benefits of that."