Howe: Osula ‘Readier Than Ever’ to Step Up After Wilson Injury

Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, has indicated that 21-year-old forward William Osula is prepared to “step up” following Callum Wilson’s recent injury, which is expected to sideline him for approximately eight weeks. Prior to Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Leicester City, Howe conveyed his condolences regarding Newcastle’s number nine. Meanwhile, Osula, who joined the Magpies from Sheffield United during the summer, is available for selection. “Callum’s injury is a blow in terms of our strength in depth,” Howe explained. “Alex [Isak] is fit and scoring goals and we are doing a lot of work with Will [Osula] behind the scenes. “I have no hesitation in playing him as well.” Despite Osula’s limited appearances to date, Howe is supporting the Denmark international to make a contribution during Wilson’s recovery period, highlighting his physical attributes as a crucial advantage. “I think it is a huge jump for him, in every way,” Howe stated. “I have been really, really impressed by him. His attitude to learning is top and he works with a variety of coaches after training to improve. “You don’t suddenly land and adjust and become a Premier League striker [but] he is readier than he has ever been and now with Callum out, he has to step up. He is big, quick and strong and there is just that refinement.”The only thing that can bring that is time.”