Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits Chris Wood's availability will be crucial when the season resumes this week.

Doubts remain over the availability of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.

Howe, after the friendly win against Real Valladolid, said: "We have only seen Callum briefly. He has come back OK but, with different training loads, we just have to tread carefully."

Isak looks set to miss the matches over Christmas. Howe said: "With Alex, there was no fixed return date on him.

"The medical team look at his recovery day by day. We don't have a return date. He is with the medical team at the moment."

The doubts over Isak and Wilson has opened the door for Wood, who scored a penalty against Vallecano.

"Chris has been hugely important," added Howe.