Newcastle United are sweating on the fitness of Kieran Trippier heading into Saturday's FA Cup third-round derby match against Sunderland - with several players already ruled out.
Trippier missed Monday's 4-2 defeat at Liverpool with a groin issue but could return for the match at the Stadium of Light. The 33-year-old is likely to be the only returning player for The Magpies this weekend with head coach Eddie Howe already ruling Callum Wilson out of the next two games against The Black Cats and Manchester City with a calf problem.
Mail Online claim longer-term injuries to Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson have 'little chance' of clearing up before the mid-January break. The trio have missed the majority of the season due to injury with Willock limited to just three starts due to a hamstring issue and recurring Achilles injury.
Anderson has been out since October with a stress fracture in his back while Barnes is set for a total of four months on the sidelines with an unusual foot injury picked up during the 8-0 win over Sheffield United in September. Barnes signed for Newcastle for £38million from Leicester City in the summer but has been limited to just two starts.
The 26-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist on his debut against Aston Villa back in August but it has been a difficult spell for him at the club since. The club decided against surgery for the winger shortly after his injury but Howe has since suggested surgery could still be required should the player suffer any further set-backs.
An operation at this stage would risk ending Barnes' season early. In addition to the aforementioned players, Newcastle also have five more players out of Saturday's derby match. Here is Newcastle's current injury/unavailable 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