Callum Wilson issues go public as Howe makes telling admission - This explains a lot...

Eddie Howe has revealed that striker Callum Wilson has ‘missed big chunks of training’ due to returning from the World Cup with an illness, but has backed him return to his best form in the coming weeks.

The 30-year-old has now gone eight games without a goal - his longest spell without finding the net since he signed in 2020 - with fans feeling he looked sluggish and not fully match fit against Crystal Palace.

However, Howe has explained that our number nine has been struggling with illness since returning from the World Cup, believing 'very limited training time' has impacted his 'sharpness.'

Here’s what Howe had to say when asked about Wilson's form after Saturday's 0-0 draw:

"He’s had very limited training time. He came back from the World Cup and had an illness.

"He's missed big chunks of training and I think that always affects your sharpness as a player - regardless of position.

"Callum’s worked really hard for the team and, knowing him as I do, the goals are just around the corner.”

Naturally, the boss is fully supportive of Wilson and expects him to be back in the goals soon, praising his hard work off the ball in our last few games despite a lack of end product and some poor hold up play.

With a semi-final on the horizon, hopefully the former Bournemouth man can find his shooting boots and put in a top performance, especially with the fit-again Alexander Isak now breathing down his neck.