EDDIE HOWE has confirmed Callum Wilson is fit and ready for the World Cup finals, but is hoping Sven Botman has not suffered an injury that will sideline him for a prolonged spell.

Wilson was named in England’s 26-man squad for the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar last week, but was unable to start Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Chelsea this evening before of the lingering after-effects of an illness.

The striker was a 75th-minute substitute as the Magpies moved to within two points of second-placed Manchester City at St James’ Park, and while Howe admits he was not quite ready to start today’s game, he is confident the 30-year-old will be firing on all cylinders when he links up with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s England squad next week.

Howe said: “Callum is fine. It was just a case that, with the training he’s had, I didn’t feel he was ready to start the game.

“He’s had an illness that really knocked him, so we didn’t want to take the risk with his immune system being low. We knew he would be okay for a part of the game because he’s fully fit now, with no problems.”

While Wilson has been given a clean bill of health, there are injury concerns over Fabian Schar, who was hobbling around in the closing stages of the game, and Sven Botman, who departed as a late substitute after injuring his ankle.

Schar is due to be part of the Switzerland squad in Qatar, while Botman narrowly missed out on a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

Howe added: “Fab, we’re not sure on. Sven, it seemed as though he injured his ankle so we hope it’s not serious.”