Newcastle United have suffered fresh injury set-backs just as the situation was starting to clear up.
The Magpies have welcomed Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson and Dan Burn back from injury over the past week. But they have been dealt two fresh concerns regarding Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier heading into Saturday's Premier League match against Fulham at St James' Park (3pm kick-off).
Trippier is suspended for the match regardless while Gordon has been a regular starter for The Magpies this season in the absence of summer signing Harvey Barnes. Barnes hasn't featured for Newcastle in almost three months following a foot injury picked up at Sheffield United.
He was thought to be close to a return but has since suffered a set-back in his recovery. Joe Willock's spell on the sidelines is also set to continue following injections to ease his Achilles issue.
Sven Botman is understood to be closing in on a return but the club will be hoping the defender suffers no further set-backs with his knee issue that has also kept him out since the Sheffield United match. The likes of Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy are set to be out until early 2024 while goalkeeper Nick Pope faces months out following surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Here is Newcastle's current injury list and expected return dates...
1. Fabian Schar (arm)
Fabian Schar left the pitch clutching his arm following Newcastle's 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth. But he has trained as usual. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
2. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. Eddie Howe said the player was 'very close' after missing the Bournemouth match and has returned to training Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
3. Joe Willock (Achilles)
Willock has reaggravated an Achilles injury and missed the win over Chelsea in November. Howe described the setback as a ‘massive blow’ and has since been ruled out for almost three months. He is back in training. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. 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 expected to return to training later this month. Expected return: Wolves (H) - 02/03