I saw what people said about Callum Wilson but they're wrong on Newcastle United's No 9

The stats make for grim reading. Callum Wilson has featured in only 10 games for Newcastle United in 2024, of which he has started just two.

In total, he has played 319 minutes of first-team football this calendar year, scoring twice. For someone of his calibre, they are depressing numbers and a huge personal blow, as well as having a major impact on Eddie Howe's side.

His latest injury setback - another hamstring problem that could keep him out for around two months - is just the latest in a litany of issues that has plagued the No 9. With his contract due to expire in the summer and the chance of a January transfer apparently gone, questions will be asked over just what United do with their centre-forward.

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Wednesday night's news of this new injury was met with outbursts all over social media, many pointing the finger at Wilson himself, While it didn't say as much, Thursday morning's response from Wilson was a direct message at those critics, proving the former England international is not about to disappear into the background.

But critics of Wilson have got it wrong, very wrong indeed. If we can put the human element to one side for now, it's legitimate to question why the club have not moved to address this situation for several transfer windows.

Wilson has rarely been able to string significant spells without injury together and the fact he has made only 112 appearances into what is now his fifth season on Tyneside shows just how often he has been unavailable. This latest setback should have been no surprise to anyone at the club, and the fact Howe is unable to turn to any first-team striker beyond Alexander Isak is perhaps the real reason for fans' ire.

Anthony Gordon can play through the middle, but that loses his impact on the flanks, while Howe still appears reluctant to give William Osula the chance to start after signing from Sheffield United in the summer. Strikers do not come cheap and are hard to find, of course, with United's transfer chiefs tasked with the difficult challenge of finding someone good enough but who is happy to play second fiddle to Isak, for now at least. Not an easy task in anyone's book.

But to lay the blame at Wilson's door is extremely misguided. Despite his injury issues, only one man has scored more Premier League goals for the club - Alan Shearer - a fact that's made more impressive when you consider how much time he has spent on the sidelines.

His attitude cannot be questioned. The 32-year-old is not one to pick up injuries because he is not living correctly, it's simply because his body is letting him down. That is out of his hands.

Whenever he is on the pitch, he is a giant that has seen United through some tough times. A shining beacon during the final years of the bleak Mike Ashley era, someone who has been worthy of that No 9 shirt.

No one is more frustrated than Wilson. His social media message said as much, reading: "Despite all the hard work I've put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys. Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.

"I will and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I'm hoping 2025 will bring. Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am."

So be angry at the lack of striking options as United approach a big week for the club, be annoyed by the fact the situation has not yet been addressed, rail at Lady Luck, fate, the Gods, whoever . . . but let's not point the finger at Callum Wilson.