Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is hoping to be back on the pitch next month, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 30-year-old is yet to play in 2022 due to injury, but his return to action may not be too far away.

What happened to Wilson?

Newcastle may have only picked up one point from their opening three league games this season, but there were no concerns about Wilson's form as he scored two goals during this period.

He then missed the next four games with a hamstring issue, yet returned to net two more goals in as many matches against Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

Further strikes came against Norwich and Burnley to take his overall tally to six goals, but disaster struck at the end of December when Newcastle hosted Manchester United.

Trying to turn quickly, Wilson suffered a serious calf injury, and he has not played since.

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What has O'Rourke said about a potential return date for Wilson?

O'Rourke has revealed that the £18m-rated forward is aiming to make his comeback by the middle of next month after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Speaking about Wilson to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said: “It looks like he’s on his way back after his injury that he picked up in December, and I know that he’s targeting a return to action in mid-April. So, to get Callum Wilson back fit and firing, I think will ease any lingering worries that Newcastle have about being dragged back into this relegation fight.”

Which match could Wilson realistically feature in?

Following the international break, Newcastle travel to Tottenham, and then have three straight home games against Wolves, Leicester and Crystal Palace.

The first two fixtures are in early April, and are likely to come a little too early for Wilson, based on the timescale that O'Rourke has provided.

However, the Leicester match falls on April 17, and then Patrick Vieira's side travel to St James' Park three days later.

Eddie Howe appears to be a big fan of Wilson's, having also managed him at Bournemouth, and he will be very keen to bring him back into the fold.

He may have to be a little cautious, but it seems that Wilson could make his long-awaited return either against Leicester or Palace, and he could then look to build up his fitness by getting some more game time in the final weeks of the campaign.