Newcastle United have suffered yet another major injury blow with Joelinton ruled out for at least six weeks.
Joelinton suffered a thigh injury during Newcastle's 3-0 win over Sunderland last time out at the Stadium of Light. The Magpies have 10 players sidelined heading into Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester City at St James' Park (5:30pm kick-off).
Following the Manchester City match, Newcastle have a two-week break before they return to competitive action in the FA Cup fourth round at Fulham later in the month. United head coach Eddie Howe is hopeful of welcoming some players back by the end of the month when Newcastle travel to Aston Villa on a Tuesday night.
It seemed as though Newcastle's injury problems were starting to ease but Joelinton being ruled out potentially until March is yet another set-back in a season of set-backs for Howe's side on the injury front.
Newcastle have been without several key players at any one point since November which has had a negative impact on the pitch. The Magpies head into Saturday's match against Manchester City having lost five of their last six Premier League matches.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last two meetings against Man City at St James' Park with the sides playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw last season before Newcastle beat City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup back in September.
Here is Newcastle United's injury list and estimated 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