Newcastle United injury list: Joelinton latest and return dates as duo return to training - gallery
Here is how Newcastle United’s squad is shaping up ahead of Saturday’s friendly match against Rayo Vallecano at St James’s Park (12:30pm kick-off).
All Newcastle players competing at the World Cup in Qatar have now returned home with Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson already back in training on Tyneside. The Magpies squad were out in Saudi Arabia earlier this month for a warm weather training camp.
Eddie Howe’s side also played a friendly match against Al Hilal, winning 5-0 thanks to two goals each from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron as well as a late strike from young substitute Dylan Stephenson. But the match wasn’t perfect for United with both Joelinton and Chris Wood forced off due to minor injuries.
Newcastle will return to competitive action on Tuesday as they host AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup last-16 at St James’s Park (7:45pm kick-off).
Here is Newcastle’s current injury/unavailable list plus potential return dates...
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