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. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. He hasn't trained as of Friday morning but Howe didn't rule him out against Bournemouth. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
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 would 'probably not' be involved v Bournemouth but has made good progress. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
3. 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. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02
4. 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 the past two months. He is close to a return. Expected return: Blackburn Rovers (A) - 27/02