Newcastle United currently have several injury and fitness concerns as they prepare to return to competitive action.
Thursday night’s 5-0 friendly win against Al Hilal saw 11 first team players ruled out. Five of those were due to being at the World Cup in Qatar while the other six were down to injury or illness.
And during the match a further two players had to be withdrawn due to injury concerns. Chris Wood was taken off in the first half with a back issue before Joelinton made way in the second half after feeling his hamstring.
Next up for Newcastle is a friendly match against Rayo Vallecano at St James’s Park on Saturday, December 17 (12:3pm kick-off). Eddie Howe’s side then return to competitive action in the Carabao Cup last-16 at home to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday, December 21.
Here is how Newcastle’s squad is shaping up in terms of absentees and their estimated return dates as it stands...
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