Newcastle will be hoping to pick up a third straight Premier League win following the international break and are expected to welcome some key players back. Joelinton will be available following a two-match suspension while Nick Pope is expected to recover from the knock that saw him withdraw from England duty.
The Magpies have also been handed a fitness boost with Anthony Gordon potentially back available after missing the last two matches with an ankle injury. The Telegraph have reported that Gordon will be fit enough to at least make the bench against Manchester United this weekend.
But there are some doubts as to whether Sven Botman will be fit enough to start after withdrawing from Netherlands international duty due to illness. The 23-year-old missed his chance at a first international cap due to suspected food posioning. Newcastle will be hoping he makes a full recovery in time to play at St James’ Park this weekend.
Here is Newcastle United’s current injury/unavailable list in full...
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