Eddie Howe has provided a Newcastle United injury update heading into Saturday's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park (3pm kick-off).
Sven Botman was rested for the FA Cup penalty win at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night, a match which saw Joe Willock start for the first time in almost four months and Elliot Anderson come on as a substitute for the first time since October.
But Howe feels both Willock and Anderson still need more time to start regularly in the Premier League.
"Similar to Joe Willock, [Anderson] is technically fit but he's not in the condition we need to have him play regularly," Howe said. "We have to nurse him back but he's been a big miss because of his versatility."
Howe also confirmed Botman is in contention to come back into the starting line-up against Wolves after a week out.
"Sven is looking good," Howe added. "We felt Sven would benefit more from training than playing after coming back from a long-term injury. We could see him [v Wolves]."
Kieran Trippier is also 'fine' after being taken off against Blackburn after 90 minutes, prior to the penalty shootout. Matt Targett remains a doubt after four months out with a hamstring injury but is close to a return.
Newcastle head into the match against Wolves looking to pick up a first home win of 2024. The Magpies have lost two and drawn two of their last four matches at St James' Park since a 3-0 win over Fulham in December.
9. Sandro Tonali (suspended)
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football after breaching Italian betting regulations. This suspension will rule the midfielder out of action for the rest of the season, next summer’s European Championship and the opening weeks of next season. Has since been charged by the FA and awaits potential punishment. Expected return: 27/08/24 | Getty Images
10. Sven Botman (knee)
Botman suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City in the FA Cup and has been ruled-out of action for 'six-to-nine' months. He will undergo surgery after suffering a similar injury earlier this season. Expected return: October-December 2024 | Getty Images
11. Jamaal Lascelles (knee)
Suffered a knee injury early on in the 4-3 win over West Ham United. Later confirmed to be an ACL issue, ruling him out for a lengthy period. Expected return: October-December 2024 | AFP via Getty Images