Newcastle have several players away on international duty including Kieran Trippier (England), Sven Botman (Netherlands), Martin Dubravka (Slovakia) and Jamal Lewis (Northern Ireland). Miguel Almiron (Paraguay) and Fabian Schar (Switzerland) missed out on their respective national squads due to injury while Nick Pope (England) withdrew after being named in the squad.
Pope will miss the upcoming England matches against Italy and Ukraine before returning to action for Newcastle next month.
The Magpies flew to Dubai following Friday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. The players have been given a short break ahead of the warm-weather training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
Several players who have been out injured have made the journey over as Eddie Howe looks to prepare his squad for the final 12 matches of the season. United currently sit fifth in the table but are just two points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth with two games in hand and superior goal difference.
And Howe is set to welcome some big players back for the return to Premier League action on April 2 against fellow Champions League chasers Manchester United (4:30pm kick-off).
Here is Newcastle’s current injury and unavailable list...
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