Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists Joe Willock could be back sooner than expected.

Willock picked up a knee injury in training but could be back in contention before the end of the season.

Howe does not believe Willock's problem is serious but did not want to risk him against European contenders Wolves at St James' Park.

He said: "Joe wasn't going to make it, so we made a decision on him earlier in the week – I can't remember the day, but he's gone away, he's had an injection in his knee. We hope that that will fix the problem for him."

When asked how long he could be sidelined for, Howe said: "We don't think he'll be out long-term, we think it won't be long before he's back in contention to play, but until he's back, you can never say never. But we hope that's fixed the pain that he's had."