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...
5. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest. Has undergone surgery and is back out on the grass. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images
6. Miguel Almiron (knee)
Forced off just 10 minutes after coming on against West Ham with a knee issue which will keep him sidelined for around a month. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images
7. Joelinton (thigh)
Joelinton picked up a thigh injury during Newcastle's 3-0 win over Sunderland. He was able to briefly play on before being withdrawn. Eddie Howe has ruled the Brazilian out for at least six weeks but surgery on the injury is likely to keep the midfielder out until the end of the season. Expected return date: Brighton (H) - 11/05 | Getty Images
8. Lewis Miley (back)
Lewis Miley injured his back on international duty. There were fears his season could be over, but he may still be able to play a part of the remainder of the campaign. Expected return: May 2024 Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images