Newcastle United hit by two fresh injury blows ahead of West Ham with Bruno Guimaraes ruled out
Here is Newcastle United’s current injury list and expected return dates ahead of the Premier League match against West Ham United.
Newcastle host The Hammers at St James’s Park on Saturday evening (5:30pm kick-off) looking to build on their positive result against Southampton on Tuesday which saw Eddie Howe’s side confirm their place in the Carabao Cup final.
The Magpies have a few injury and suspension issues to deal with following the game after Alexander Isak was withdrawn as a concussion substitute and Bruno Guimaraes was shown a straight red card in the closing stages. Howe also confirmed right-back Javier Manquillo is facing a spell on the sidelines following a training ground injury.
While Newcastle are set to have several players missing this weekend, they are expected to welcome new January signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby to the matchday squad. Gordon arrived from Everton for £40million while Ashby was a deadline day addition from West Ham for £3million including add-ons.
Ashby could be named on the bench against his former club this Saturday alongside Gordon.
Here is Newcastle United’s current injury list and estimated return dates...
1. Joe Willock - hamstring
Joe Willock was a concern following Sunday’s win over Manchester United as he was taken off with a potential hamstring issue. Eddie Howe was unable to provide a fitness update ahead of the trip to West Ham United on Tuesday but the club posted a photo of the midfielder taking part in training ahead of the match. What Howe said: “Joe Willock’s the obvious one. He was feeling his hamstring, but he wasn’t sure if it was cramp or something more sinister. So we’ll wait and see. A couple more players just nursing little things because of the physical game that it was.” Estimated return date: 05/03 - West Ham (A) Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. Miguel Almiron - thigh
Top scorer Miguel Almiron was forced to withdraw from international duty with Paraguay after picking up a thigh injury in training at Newcastle. He is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines. What Howe said: “Miggy pulled a thigh muscle in training. Unfortunately, it’s quite a bad one. It’s going to be six weeks.” Estimated return date: 30/04 - Southampton (H) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
3. Emil Krafth - ACL
The Swedish right-back is has been out for the majority of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Tranmere in August. What Howe said: “There’s a very, very slim chance, I wouldn’t hold out much hope that we’ll see him before the end of the season.” Estimated return date: Pre season Photo: PAUL ELLIS
4. Ryan Fraser - training with Under-21s
Ryan Fraser is not part of Eddie Howe’s first team plans at the moment and is expected to be moved on from the club in the summer. He is unlikely to feature again this season. What Howe said: “I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.” Estimated return date: Unknown Photo: Ian MacNicol