Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett is facing a battle to return to action before the end of the season following an injury setback.
The 28-year-old hasn’t featured for Newcastle since suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United in November. He briefly returned to the bench in March before suffering an Achilles injury.
When asked if it was a setback at the time, Howe told The Gazette: “Not a big problem, he's got a little bit of tendonitis in his Achilles. We envisage he should be back very soon."
But Targett has since missed matches against Everton, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur with Howe now claiming: “Matt’s problem has turned out to be a bit more serious than we perhaps initially thought. It’s an Achilles problem, so let’s wait and see on that.”
Newcastle have just six games left between now and the end of the season, if Targett isn’t able to return before the end of the campaign, he will likely be facing at least nine months without a competitive game. Targett still has two years remaining on his four-year deal signed when he joined The Magpies permanently from Aston Villa for £15million in 2022 following an initial loan spell.
But his time as a permanent Newcastle player has proven frustrating as he’s been limited to just seven Premier League starts.
Elsewhere in Newcastle’s squad, Kieran Trippier is pushing to be back involved for the return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace later this month. The England right-back has missed United’s last six matches in all competitions with a calf issue.
But Howe has suggested the 33-year-old could be back soon as his side have a free weekend before the trip to Selhurst Park.
“Kieran’s doing well, he’d be one of the players in the background that’s starting to feel really good,” Howe admitted. “He’s still not on the training pitch with us, but it’s positive signs and a positive outlook for him. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
Howe will also be hoping to have the likes of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Nick Pope back in the coming weeks after their respective injury issues. Like Targett, Joelinton and Lewis Miley are also battling to return before the end of the season.
Here is Newcastle United’s current injury list and expected return dates...
5. Lewis Miley
Miley suffered a back injury on England Under-20’s duty and there are fears that his season could be over. He faces several weeks on the sidelines and Howe has urged caution over bringing him back too quickly with his season cut short. Estimated return: July 2024 Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
6. Joe Willock
Willock limped off in the first half of their game against Fulham. Howe confirmed Willock was feeling his Achilles and it has since been reported that he will miss the rest of the season. Estimated return: July 2024 | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football meaning he won’t be available for selection until the beginning of next season. Return date: 27/08 | Getty Images
8. Sven Botman
Botman suffered an ACL injury and has been ruled-out of action for between six and nine months. Estimated return: October - December 2024 | Getty Images