Newcastle United still have several injury concerns as they prepare to return to competitive action next week.
After a welcome two week break, Newcastle travel to face Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, January 27 (7pm kick-off). They will be hoping to end a run of five straight defeats against Premier League opposition.
Eddie Howe's side aren't anticipating any major injury boosts for the match but Jacob Murphy is back in training following surgery on a dislocated shoulder and has a chance of being involved. Callum Wilson is also understood to be close to a return.
But The Magpies have been rocked by a major injury blow to Joelinton, who was forced off with a thigh issue in the 3-0 win over Sunderland in the previous round of the FA Cup. What was initially thought to be a minor injury, with the Brazilian initially playing on, now requires surgery that is set to end his season early.
It leaves Newcastle with just three fit central midfielders in Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and 17-year-old Lewis Miley. Joe White has returned from his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra to help bolster Howe's midfield but is cup-tied for the Fulham match.
Here is Newcastle United's current injury/unavailable 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