Newcastle United will be hoping for some further fitness boosts on Tuesday night when they return to Premier League action at Aston Villa (8:15pm kick-off).
The Magpies welcomed Jacob Murphy back for Saturday's 2-0 win over Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round. The winger has missed the last two months of action following surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Tino Livramento also returned to the side having missed the previous match due to illness. But Eddie Howe's side were still dealt some fresh blows over the weekend with Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles both dropping out of the side for the Fulham match.
Almiron missed the game due to illness while Lascelles was absent with a calf problem. During the 2-0 win at Craven Cottage, Kieran Trippier was forced off in the closing stages due to a groin problem.
None of the new fitness concerns are thought to be serious though all three players have been subject to transfer speculation this month. Almiron has been heavily linked to the Saudi Pro League while Lascelles has reportedly attracted interest from Besiktas in Turkey.
Trippier was also subject to a transfer bid from Bayern Munich which Newcastle rejected. The 33-year-old has since reiterated his commitment to the club and said the situation with Bayern is 'over'.
But with talk of incomings not proving fruitful so far, Newcastle's injury list remains long heading into the final few days of the transfer window.
Here is the current Newcastle United injury list and expected return dates...
1. Fabian Schar (arm)
Fabian Schar left the pitch clutching his arm following Newcastle's 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Eddie Howe said he was hopeful the issue wasn't serious. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
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 was 'very close' after missing the Bournemouth match. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
3. 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 almost three months. He is close to a return. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. 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 and expected to return to training later this month. Expected return: Wolves (H) - 02/03