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Newcastle United could have a trio of injured players available to them when they make the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night. Whilst they still have a clutch of players out injured, the imminent returns of Joe Willock and Alexander Isak will be a huge boost for Eddie Howe as his side aim to secure qualification for European football.
Isak has been absent since limping off against Aston Villa last month and hasn’t featured in any match since that day. Willock, meanwhile, hasn’t played since before the November international break and, in total, has played a part in just six of Newcastle’s 36 games in all competitions to date.
The Magpies may also be able to call on the services of Fabian Schar this weekend, despite him leaving St James’ Park with a wrist injury last weekend. The Swiss international is expected to feature at the Emirates Stadium and was pictured in training with the first-team earlier this week.
News that Willock, Isak and Schar are all in contention for this weekend’s game has been boosted by reports that Nick Pope and Elliot Anderson, who have been out since December and October respectively, are also progressing well in their recoveries and could be in contention for a matchday squad berth very soon.
Joelinton and Callum Wilson face a race against time to be fit before the end of the season, however, whilst Sandro Tonali won’t feature again until the beginning of next season as he serves a ten-month ban from football.
Here, we take a look at the latest Newcastle United injury news and expected return dates:
5. Matt Targett
Targett was substituted very early on against Manchester United after suffering a hamstring injury in November. Estimated return date = 02/03 v Wolves (h) | Getty Images
6. Elliot Anderson
Anderson has been ruled-out with a back injury and hasn’t featured since the win over Crystal Palace back in October. He could be back in soon, although a date has not yet been put on a potential return for the 21-year-old. Estimated return date = 27/02 v Blackburn Rovers (a) | Getty Images
7. Joe Willock
Willock reaggravated an achilles injury and has missed every game since the November international break. There is hope he can return to action very soon, however, with that potentially coming at the Emirates Stadium, his old stomping ground. Estimated return date = 24/02 v Arsenal (a) | Getty Images
8. 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