Steve Bruce drops Newcastle United selection hint for Chelsea after losing Callum Wilson to injury

Bruce has lost Callum Wilson for up to eight weeks after the striker suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend’s 3-2 win over Southampton.

And Gayle is the favourite to replace the club’s leading scorer against Chelsea tonight.

Bruce was asked whether this would be an opportunity for Gayle, Andy Carroll or Joelinton, and United’s head coach pointed out that Ryan Fraser, an unused substitute against Southampton, was also an option.

“And Ryan Fraser, of course, as well, who unfortunately has been stop-start all season,” said Bruce. “But he got 90 minutes under his belt (in the home defeat to Crystal Palace), and I thought at the time with him, a third game in a week with him, we had to protect him.

“Lo and behold, of course, Callum gets the injury he gets, so yes we know they're capable. It's a big opportunity for somebody to stand up to it.

“They’re going to be big shoes to fill because of the job he's done over the last few months here. In all of it, it's always somebody else's opportunity, which let's hope they can grasp.”

Fraser, signed as a free agent last summer after his Bournemouth contract expired, is fit after putting the hamstring and groin injuries which have interrupted his Newcastle career behind him.

Gayle, meanwhile, has found his opportunities limited by the form of Wilson, who joined from Bournemouth in a £20million deal last summer.

The 31-year-old, out of contract in the summer, is yet to start a Premier League game this season, though he has scored one top-flight goal.

“It's for anybody to step up – the challenge is there, of course,” said Bruce. “We all know what Dwight is capable of. He's been racked with injuries, unfortunately, so we hope that he can stay well and stay fit.

“We know he's capable, and the same goes for Joelinton and Andy Carroll. Let's hope somebody can come in.

"They're big boots to fill, we know, but that's the opportunity for somebody else.”

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