Newcastle United have been hit with a number of injury problems ahead of crucial games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
A loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday would see them close the gap on fourth-placed Newcastle to six points while also boasting a game in hand. Erik ten Hag’s men, meanwhile, will contest what promises to be a dramatic Carabao Cup final later this month.
Callum Wilson missed the draw with Bournemouth on Saturday, while all of Joe Willock, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron were forced off through various injuries.
Hardly boasting the biggest squad anyway, the problems are certainly mounting.
Elsewhere, Matt Targett has not played since November, while Emil Krafth faces a struggle to play again this season after suffering a long-term knee injury way back in August.
Here’s a look at Newcastle United’s injury list and possible return dates.
Callum Wilson
The striker missed the trip to the south coast on Saturday with a hamstring injury, though Eddie Howe hinted the problem was not thought to be serious and suggested the England international could make the Liverpool game.
“Callum just has a minor hamstring complaint. We think he’ll miss this game, we’ll hope to get him back for the next one,” Howe said (via the Liverpool Echo).
Possible return date: 18/02/2023 vs Liverpool
Allan Saint-Maximin
While hardly in brilliant form this season, Bruno Guimaraes’ suspension has brought Saint-Maximin back into the team.
Though the Frenchman was forced against Bournemouth, Howe confirmed there is a hope it was just a knock. ”
“Maxi, I think, was just a knock,” the boss said after Saturday’s draw (via Newcastle World).
Possible return date: 18/02/2023 vs Liverpool
Miguel Almiron
Like Saint-Maximin, Almiron also came off against the Cherries but Howe is optimistic the forward will be available for the visit of the Reds.
“Miggy, I think got a stamp on his hand, so I think he’ll be OK,” he confirmed (via Newcastle World).
Possible return date: 18/02/2023 vs Liverpool
Joe Willock
Howe admitted “concern” over Willock’s hamstring injury, so the problem seems more serious than either of the previous names on the list.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the midfielder is a major doubt for Liverpool and now faces a race against time to make the Carabao Cup final.
Possible return date: 26/02/2023 vs Manchester United
Matt Targett
The defender confirmed he was back in training earlier this month as he steps up his return from a heel injury.
Ahead of the trip to Bournemouth, Howe revealed Targett was making good progress.
“Matt Targett will still be out [against Bournemouth],” he said (via the club’s official website).
“He’s close to training. He’s worked hard on his rehabilitation with the physios and he’s getting close to returning to the group.”
Possible return date: 26/02/2023 vs Manchester United
Emil Krafth
According to The Athletic, Krafth faces a fight to even play again this season.
Possible return date: Summer 2023
