Newcastle recall Williamson after Lascelles injury

Mike Williamson: Defender returns from his loan at Wolves

Mike Williamson: Defender returns from his loan at Wolves

Struggling Newcastle have recalled central defender Mike Williamson from his loan spell at Wolves as they attempt top drag themselves out of relegation trouble.

Williamson, 32, joined the Sky Bet Championship club until January in October, but is returning to St James’ Park after Jamaal Lascelles suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 5-1 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace.

A Newcastle spokesman said: “Newcastle United have recalled defender Mike Williamson from a loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers after Jamaal Lascelles suffered a minor hamstring injury during Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace.

“Williamson made five appearances for the Championship side after heading to Molineux in October, and was due to remain in the Midlands until January.”

Williamson, who was deemed surplus to requirements in the wake of Chancel Mbemba’s addition to the squad during the summer, returns with the Magpies back in the bottom three having conceded eight goals in their last two games and 30 in their 14 in the league to date this season.

Williamson provided defensive cover for Wolves while Kortney Hause and Ethan Ebanks-Landell were sidelined with injury. Ebanks-Landell is fit again after a broken foot but Hause remains out with a hamstring problem.

“We understand the situation and we thank Steve McClaren and Newcastle for letting us take him on loan,” said Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett.

“We thank Mike as well and since he has been here we have kept three clean sheets in five games, only conceding three goals, which is a good record.

“For us now we have Ethan Ebanks-Landell fit again who we think is a very promising centre back who is ready.”