Callum Wilson has revealed that he decided to spend a week away from Newcastle United while he recovers from an injury due to his mental health.
The striker has not played for The Magpies since December 27 when he was pulled during the Premier League match with Manchester United.
Wilson is recovering from a calf injury and will be out for a significant period of time.
It’s the second injury setback for the 29-year-old this campaign after a hamstring problem in September.
Wilson has been in rehab at Newcastle and has watched Eddie Howe’s team succeed from the stands.
Speaking in The footballer’s football podcast with West Ham striker Michail Antonio, Wilson revealed how difficult it has been to watch the team succeed without being able to play.
The Magpies man said it had affected his mental health and he took his recovery away from the club for a week to give himself some space.
He said: “When you’re injured, everyone writes you off and is trying to replace you.
“Throughout different periods of your rehab, you have to walk away.
“That’s why I’m out right now, it’s not a joy or a bye week, it’s a change of scenery to keep me mentally engaged in my rehab, mentally recharged, refreshed.
“I think in the next few weeks we will touch on a mental health episode. It’s a big part of the game.
“It’s not just about rehabbing yourself physically, you have to make sure you stay focused, you also stay engaged mentally.
“You’re seeing your team doing well, unbelievable. You know you’re not going to be a part of that for the foreseeable future right now. It just gets frustrating and then it wears you down a little bit.”
“I’ve been away from the club, from the country for a week or so and just trying to get myself into that place where you can kick back as soon as you get back in the country.
