Which Newcastle players are injured and when will they return?
Eddie Howe is set to endure one of his biggest tests as Newcastle manager.
The squad is rife with injuries ahead of the Premier League return’s return next weekend, where the Magpies welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park. Their last outing was a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on the south coast, where injuries mounted up still further.
Two of the club’s major signings - Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali - remain out of action for various reasons, and they will have to wait over a month to bring in any replacements. Amid their Champions League quest, it’s a tall order for Howe.
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Here are all the players unavailable for selection - and what Howe has said about their possible return.
Which Newcastle players are injured and when will they return?
Sandro Tonali - banned
Sandro Tonali was suspended on October 27 after reports revealed that the midfielder had breached gambling regulations. The midfielder was 10 months for betting offences in Italy after being found to have gambled on matches involving his former club AC Milan before he joined the Magpies.
Return - August 31, 2024
Jacob Murphy - shoulder injury
Jacob Murphy is out for an extended period after injuring his shoulder once again.
Howe said on his winger’s injury: “With Jacob, we always knew there was a chance that he could do his shoulder again. We will lose him now to an operation. I'm not completely sure how long he will be out for, but it'll probably be around three months.”
Return - January 30, 2024
Dan Burn - back injury
Howe said that first-choice left-back Dan Burn would be out until the new year. He sadi: “Unfortunately, Dan will be out for some time. It could be a couple of months; that is sort of a speculative answer. I think he has got a problem with the base of his spine. It is a big blow for us.”
Return - January 13, 2024
Elliot Anderson - lower back injury
Elliot Anderson enjoyed a fabulous pre-season and the attacker started to challenge for spots in the starting XI for Newcastle. But the youngster is set to miss over a month of action owing to pain in his lower back.
Return- December 26, 2023
Sven Botman
Sven Botman’s absence has been a huge blow for Newcastle. There have been reports that he may have to have surgery but nothing has been confirmed yet. Howe said: “Not massive news on Sven; he is progressing well; he has been away in the Netherlands getting specialist treatment. I think he's back here today, so I will chat with him and see how he is getting on.”
Return - December 10, 2023
Harvey Barnes - toe injury
Harvey Barnes only got a handful of games before sustaining a broken toe. His return is getting closer, though. Howe said: “I think he's just started running. He had to let his bone heal in his toe. Fingers crossed, he's on the right path. He's probably one who won't be too far away after the international break.”
Return - December 7, 2023
Callum Wilson - thigh injury
Callum Wilson is one of Newcastle’s most prolific players, but he is out with a thigh injury. Howe commented: “'Yeah, he won't travel with England. He's going to be out for a number of weeks.”
Return - December 2, 2023
Lewis Hall - ineligible
Lewis Hall is unable to feature against Chelsea on Saturday as he is not allowed to feature against his parent club. He remains on loan until the summer window, when the clause in his contract will be activated.
Bruno Guimaraes - suspended
Bruno Guimaraes has been ruled out of action for the game against Chelsea owing to receiving five yellow cards this season. He will be back for selection in the subsequent Premier League match, against Manchester United.
Return - November 6, 2023
Miguel Almiron - thigh injury
Miguel Almiron suffered an injury while on international duty for Paraguay. The side released a statement. It read: “The medical team of the National Team communicates that the player suffered a grade 1 muscle injury to the femoral biceps of the right thigh, so he will not be able to be part of the next team qualifying.”
Return - November 25, 2023
Alexander Isak - hip injury
Alexander Isak could be in contention to face Chelsea but he faces a race against time ot be involved. Howe said: “Alex is doing well and is working on his fitness levels. We are building up his load, and the plan is for him to return after the international break.
Return - November 25, 2023
Fabian Schar - thigh injury
Fabian Schar is out of action and so far there is no indication of when he will be making a return to the pitch.
Return - unknown
Javier Manquillo - groin injury
Newcastle’s wing-back, Javier Manquillo, is out of action but it’s not clear when he will be match-fit. Howe said last month: “He's got a groin problem.”
Return - unknown
Matt Targett - thigh Injury
Matt Target lasted just minutes in Newcastle’s win over Manchester United earlier this month. He remains sidelined. Howe said: 'It doesn't look good. He is having his scan today, so we will know more. When you have a hamstring injury, you fear the worst. It is a real blow to lose him - he is a top player.”
Return - unknown