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...

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