Here are the Newcastle United evening headlines on Thursday, March 18.
Wilson explains recovery plan
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has vowed to make sure "every box is ticked" so that he can "affect" matches when he returns from injury.
The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring problem in the Magpies' 3-2 win over Southampton in February and was ruled out for between six and eight weeks.
Wilson completed a month-long rehabilitation camp down in Bournemouth and has now returned to Newcastle's training ground for the next phase of his recovery.
Speaking to NUFC TV, the Magpies star has opened up on his injury - which came at a crucial time in the season for Steve Bruce's men.
"I thought it was probably going to be a four-week lay-off," Wilson said. "The scan revealed it was a little bit worse than that.
"Like I say, we just play it by ear, take things slowly without rushing it because the main thing is getting back and staying back.
"There's no point me coming back and then breaking down again, which is no good for anyone.
"I think, for me, it's making sure every box is ticked and I feel comfortable in myself and I've got a lot of training under my belt to go into a game and to be able to affect it and not just take part."
Read the full story here.
Solano sympathises with Joelinton
Former Newcastle midfielder Nolberto Solano feels sorry for Joelinton and believes some of the criticism he receives is unfair.
The Brazilian striker, who cost the Magpies £40million, has scored just once in the Premier League this season.
Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Live, former fan favourite Solano has expressed his sympathy for Joelinton and said that even Alan Shearer would struggle to score goals in this team.
"It is very difficult for him but I don't blame him," the ex-Magpies central midfielder said.
"It should not come down to an individual it should be about team play and team work.
"It'll be tough for him because as a team in terms of creating chances it hasn't been too good has it?
"Newcastle haven't performed. If you don't create chances it's tough for any striker, even Alan Shearer would agree with that.
"I have played with world-class strikers but if you aren't working the ball into the box what are you expecting them to do.
"And now with Joelinton, he's going to get even less chances - they are playing him as a right-winger!
"So what do you expect?"
Read more from Solano here.
Southgate explains Darlow omission
Martin Dubravka's recent return to the first-team at Newcastle has cost Karl Darlow a place in the England squad, according to Gareth Southgate.
Darlow has been the star man for the Magpies on many occasions this season, but lost his place in Bruce's side after a mistake in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper was under consideration for the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford ruled out through injury.
However, West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone got the nod from Southgate instead, and the England boss has been explaining his decision.
He said: "Karl Darlow has had a very good season for Newcastle.
"He's probably found himself out of the team at just the wrong time in many regards really.
"But Sam Johnstone, in a team that has had a difficult season, has kept a very good level of performance.
"He's comfortable in possession as well as keeping the ball out of his net."
