Eddie Howe has brought a bumper Newcastle squad over to Saudi Arabia including players recovering from injury as well as Under-21s stars. The Magpies currently have five players out at the World Cup in Qatar and therefore unavailable during the warm weather training camp in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
United have faced their fair share of injury issues so far this campaign with record signing Alexander Isak featuring just three times prior to the World Cup break following a thigh injury. Emil Krafth was also dealt a significant injury blow after rupturing his ACL on his first start of the season at Tranmere Rovers in August.
Newcastle have already trained in Saudi Arabia and will play Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal on Thursday before hosting La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, December 17 (12:30pm kick-off).
Here we look through the current Newcastle United squad and the current injury/unavailable list and estimate when each player is likely to return to action...
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