Newcastle United have been handed a few welcome fitness boosts over the past week but the injury list remains long.
Joe Willock and Alexander Isak returned from injury in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday evening. But the game saw goalkeeper Martin Dubravka drop out of the side due to illness and Tino Livramento pick up a knock.
Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes also went down in discomfort during the match but no issues were reported regarding the key Magpies duo.
Third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius came into with Dubravka unavailable and Nick Pope still recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Pope has required surgery but is in the latter stages of his recovery while Dubravka will be assessed further ahead of the trip to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night (7:45pm kick-off).
Newcastle are expected to welcome Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson back to training soon after lengthy injury absences. Targett has been out since November with a hamstring issue that required surgery while Anderson hasn't been seen since late October due to a stress fracture in his back.
After the trip to Blackburn, Newcastle will be looking to pick up a first win at St James' Park in 2024 when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.
Here is Newcastle United's updated injury list and expected return dates...
1. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images