Steve Bruce reveals Callum Wilson festive period concerns as Newcastle United boss prepares to welcome back key player

Since returning from injury on November 27, the eight-goal striker has started all of the Magpies’ last five games, including four in the last 11 days.

And with games coming thick and fast over the festive period – United travel to Manchester City tomorrow then host Liverpool on Wednesday before Leicester City come to Tyneside a week on Sunday – Bruce admits keeping £20 million summer signing Wilson fit and firing for the rest of the season is a ‘concern’.

When asked about whether Wilson would get a rest in the upcoming games, Bruce said: “That's a worry and a concern for us, of course.

"We know how crucial he is to us.

"It's four games in 10 games and to keep going and going, is very difficult.

"There will come a point where we have to give him a break."

Meanwhile, Bruce is hoping to be able to call upon the services of keeper Martin Dubravka – maybe even in the next seven days.

The Slovakian international has been absent for the whole of the Premier League season having picked up an ankle problem during the summer break, which was then exacerbated when returning to training with United.

When news of Dubravka’s injury surfaced many United fans grew concerned with the goalkeeper proving such a crucial cog in Newcastle’s wheel since being picked up by Rafa Benitez on an initial loan, later made permanent, from Sparta Prague in January 2018.

The form of Karl Darlow, tipped by many for an international call with England or Wales, has eased that somewhat, with the former No1 proving he is more than capable of stepping up in Dubravka’s absence.

"He's not far away from illness and injury,” Bruce said of Dubravka.

"We hope that he will be able to join in for the next week or so.

"There's no disputing that Karl has been arguably our best player at the moment.

"That competition is always healthy and good.

"It's good to see Martin back."

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