Newcastle United handed £127m boost v Chelsea as fresh player ruled out & one doubt - photos
Newcastle United injuries: Here is some early team news ahead of the return of Premier League action against Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Newcastle United are hoping to welcome some players back from injury when they host Chelsea this weekend.
Newcastle's list of injuries, doubts and unavailable players heading into the match at St James' Park stood at 13 players at one stage - over half of Eddie Howe's 25-man squad.
But The Magpies are hoping to welcome at least three players back from injury concerns this weekend with Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar making good progress over the international break and Alexander Isak in line to return after a month on the sidelines with a groin issue.
Bruno Guimaraes is also set to return from suspension after missing the 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth last time out in the Premier League.
Guimaraes is one of a number of Newcastle players representing their respective nations during the international break. Almiron and Callum Wilson have already been forced to withdraw from the Paraguay and England squads due to injury while Kieran Trippier left the England camp due to a 'personal issue'.
Howe will be hoping his international players return to the club unscathed this week in preparation for Chelsea.
Newcastle lost their last two matches heading into the international break and will be looking to bounce back on home turf this weekend.
Here is Newcastle United's injury/unavailable list and expected return dates...
1. Anthony Gordon (hip)
Anthony Gordon was withdrawn with a hip issue in the closing stages of the 1-0 win over Manchester United. Head coach Eddie Howe said 'fingers crossed it's nothing serious' while Gordon subsequently talked about returning to Everton on Thursday, suggesting his withdrawal was just a precaution. Expected return: Everton (A) - 07/12
2. Sean Longstaff (ankle)
Sean Longstaff completed the match at Bournemouth despite falling awkwardly on his ankle. He has now missed the last three matches with the injury worse than initially expected but has since teased his return. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (A) - 10/12
3. Joe Willock
Willock has reaggravated an achilles injury and missed the win over Chelsea at the weekend. Howe described the setback as a ‘massive blow’ before later stating it is not a 'long-term' issue. That could see the midfielder back in action before Christmas. Expected return: Chelsea (A) - 19/12
4. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United. There are concerns his season could be over as a result as he requires surgery. Expected return: April 2024