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. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images