The Magpies have been without their No.9 since mid-July after he sustained a back injury during the club’s visit to the Adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach.
Wilson’s absence has came more into focus during the past fortnight with Alexander Isak struggling with a broken toe. That saw Anthony Gordon move inside and lead the line in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City.
Will Osula, a summer signing from Sheffield United, is in line to make his first competitive start against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Gordon will then again be deployed as striker for the trip to Everton this weekend – if Isak doesn’t win his fitness battle.
Following the visit to Goodison Park, the league season pauses for two weeks to make way for the October international break. United host Brighton & Hove Albion on October 19 and it could be then when Wilson is back available after three months out.
“With Alex, we’re not ruling him out,” said Howe. “We’re sort of assessing him on a daily basis as there is a chance he could be fit for Everton if everything falls into place. Of course, we have a decision to make on whether we play him or leave him knowing he’d be OK two weeks afterwards.
“Callum Wilson is on track to be fit for after the international break along with, hopefully, Lewy Miley. Of course Sven [Botman] and Jamaal [Lascelles] are a little bit further back but hopefully good news is on the horizon but until they’re back fully it is difficult to promise that.”
Howe admits Newcastle have missed having both Isak and Wilson available at the same time. The pair only featured in the same matchday squad 18 times last season.
“It’s been a dynamic that we’ve certainly missed and the players have missed themselves,” said Howe. “Almost last year they were dovetailing – one was fit and one was missing out so we never got the strength of having both available. You might tell me differently but the Burnley game sticks in my mind towards the back end of last season when we had and used them both, and they were excellent together.
“It is a dynamic that we need and I think the players need, whether that is for rotation to be both fit and fresh when they play or whether it’s the competition because two outstanding players fighting for one role can only benefit the performance level.”