Despite Eddie Howe being unable to name his perceived ‘strongest starting XI’ for pretty much the whole campaign to date, Newcastle currently find themselves in fourth place having had their best start to a Premier League season for a decade. Injury problems to star man Allan Saint-Maximin and their club-record purchase Alexander Isak haven’t derailed their progress as many expected it to.
The Magpies were even able to cope in Callum Wilson’s absence – something they have struggled with in previous seasons. However, despite all this progress, supporters will hope they can catch a glimpse of their injured players back in-action sooner rather than later.
But when are Newcastle’s current injured stars expected to be back in the black-and-white? Here, we take a look at the expected return dates of Newcastle’s injured stars and what Eddie Howe has said about their rehab progress.
5. Allan Saint-Maximin
Saint-Maximin made his long-awaited return to the starting side in midweek as he played the full game against Crystal Palace. It was the first time Saint-Maximin had started in the league since August. Post-match, Howe said: "I wanted to leave him on the pitch, and get that time into his legs that will benefit him so much.” Photo: George Wood
6. Paul Dummett
On the fringes of the first-team, Dummett has made just one appearance in all competitions this season, playing 90 minutes at Prenton Park as the Magpies edged past Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup. Since that game, the defender has picked up a calf injury, one that has ruled him out of action. Eddie Howe said: “Paul Dummett picked up a calf problem, so he’s working his way back to fitness." Estimated return date = unknown. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Alexander Isak
The Sweden international has been ruled-out of action until after the World Cup break following a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury. Isak hasn't featured since netting the equaliser against Bournemouth, but Howe doesn't expect him to make another appearance until December at the earliest. "It's a very similar injury to the first one that he picked up with Sweden. He's going to be out for a period of time – we probably won't see him before the break for the World Cup." Estimated return date = late December. Photo: George Wood
8. Javier Manquillo
Manquillo made his first start of the season against Crystal Palace on Wednesday although he was withdrawn just after the hour mark as he makes his comeback from a calf injury. Photo: Stu Forster