Newcastle United took two steps forward and one step back when it came to injuries on Saturday.
The Magpies' 4-4 draw with Luton Town saw Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes return on the bench and come on as second half substitutes. Barnes marked his return after four months out by scoring an equaliser to make it 4-4 at St James' Park.
But the pair were introduced in far from ideal circumstances with Barnes coming on shortly after Newcastle had gone 4-2 down and Wilson replaced Anthony Gordon at half-time following yet another injury blow for Eddie Howe's side. Gordon has been a regular in Newcastle's team this season but will now need further assessment after twisting his ankle in the first half of the match.
The 22-year-old was pictured on crutches and with a protective boot as he left St James' Park on Saturday evening.
Reflecting on the issue, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: "It looked like he twisted his ankle. I didn't see how he did it but he was in a lot of pain at half-time so he had to come off.
"It was sore enough for him to come off, that was his decision, he felt like he couldn't continue."
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Nottingham Forest as they look to claim a fourth successive away win in all competitions. Howe will also be hoping to welcome some more key players back after spells on the sidelines.
1. Tino Livramento (knock)
Eddie Howe confirmed the right-back picked up a knock during the defeat at Arsenal but was able to play-on through the issue before being taken off in the closing stages. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02
2. Martin Dubravka (illness)
Misses the Arsenal game due to illness. Eddie Howe said he's unsure if he would make the trip to Blackburn though wouldn't rule out a return. Expected return: Wolves (H) - 02/03
3. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass and on the verge of returning. Expected return: Wolves (H) - 02/03
4. Elliot Anderson (back)
Anderson was featuring fairly regularly for the Magpies this season but has been out for an extended period with a back injury. It was initially suggested the midfielder would be back in training by the end of 2023 but he has been out for four months now but is very close to a return. Expected return: Wolves (H) - 02/03