Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says he is “so sad” for Callum Wilson after the striker was sidelined for up to two months with a hamstring injury.

Wilson only made his first appearance of the season last month due to injury and has played just 66 minutes in four Premier League games.

The England international has scored 48 goals in 122 games across five seasons for Newcastle, but his time on Tyneside has also been marred by a series of fitness issues.

“I really feel for Callum,” Howe said. “We see the work, commitment and professionalism he has shown, not only during his recovery from this injury, but throughout his career.”

“For me he is an inspiring player and when you find yourself in these moments you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him.”

“He doesn’t cut corners – he’s gone through a process to keep himself fit – he’s distanced himself from family and is looking for the best opinions in the world. When you see him not getting results, I feel so sorry for him.”

“He was outwardly emotional to me. I saw the pain. But it gives him extra motivation to come back and contribute.”

Wilson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, posted a message on Instagram on Thursday saying he needed to “take a little step back.”

“As frustrating as it is for everyone out there who is waiting for me to come back and help the team, these shortcomings also anger and frustrate me more than anyone else,” he said.

“I’m doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster.”

Howe also said goalkeeper Nick Pope needs to see a specialist with a knee injury and is questionable for Saturday’s game against Leicester.

The 32-year-old has missed just one game this season, a 1-0 Carabao Cup win against League Two AFC Wimbledon in October.

“At first we thought it was nothing, so I think he’s getting a specialist’s opinion today and then we’ll see if he’s available,” Howe said.