Newcastle reporter Liam Kennedy has described Joe Willock's recent injury as a major blow for Steve Bruce's team.

What's happened to Willock?

It's already been a tough start to the season for the Mapgies, and now they've been hit with the news that one of their key players is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Since joining permanently from Arsenal last month, Willock has started every Premier League game, including the draw with Leeds last Friday.

However, Bruce confirmed when he spoke to the press ahead of Newcastle's game at Watford on Saturday that the former Gunners man suffered a freak incident in training and will miss the clash at Vicarage Road and then possibly the visit to Wolves next weekend.

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ENTER GIVEAWAY

Bruce revealed that Willock kicked the turf and damaged a capsule in his toe, which means he'll miss the chance to try and help Newcastle collect their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

Kennedy was pulling no punches when asked how big of a loss Willock's absence will be to Bruce.

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What did Kennedy say?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a massive blow. It's an injury that's come at a really bad time for Newcastle, who're winless and looking to get a win at Watford at the seventh attempt."

How big of a loss is Willock's absence?

Willock hasn't started this season how he ended 2020-2021. In fact, he's yet to get off the mark since re-joining Newcastle.

Callum Wilson is also currently out injured, meaning Newcastle have very few players that are capable of scoring goals in their ranks. And with Willock one of the few, being without him for potentially season-defining games against Watford and Wolves is hugely disappointing for the Magpies boss.

With Wilson not expected to return until later next month, Bruce will be hoping that Allan Saint-Maximin will continue his excellent form and guide Newcastle to a much-needed three points.