Newcastle United will be hopeful of their first win since the opening day of the season as they make the trip to Fulham on Saturday. The Magpies are winless in their last six matches but could be boosted by a number of key players returning from injury.
The international break was set to provide Eddie Howe with the opportunity to get some of his injured players back to full fitness, but in actual fact just added to his worries. That said, Howe gave a number of positive updates in his pre-Fulham press conference, including on the likes of Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Here is a full round-up of Newcastle’s injury list, what Howe has said on their condition and when they could potentially return.
READ MORE: 'In a good place', Howe on Wilson while Newcastle United will make 'late decisionl on Wood
Callum Wilson – hamstring
Wilson suffered a hamstring injury during the game against Manchester City in August and has not featured since. He is back in contention for the trip to Fulham, though.
What Howe said (Sep 30): "Callum has trained. He's trained for around ten days with us now & is in a good place. Every time he comes back from an injury he does the work and doesn't cut corners. He's put a lot of work in with the sports science team too, so he's looked good."
Potential return date: 01/10/22
Bruno Guimaraes – hamstring
Bruno returned to the side for the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth before the international break, but did not feature for Brazil after feeling some discomfort. He has trained ahead of Fulham and a late call is likely to be made.
What Howe said (Sep 30): “Bruno has trained with us. I had a few difficult calls during the international break to be told various things had happened to various players.
“We were concerned for Bruno but the scan was good so he's trained and trained well. It's slightly disruptive for him because these two weeks were important to him and getting his match sharpness back.”
Potential return date: 01/10/22
Alexander Isak – leg
Isak was forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad after picking up an injury in training. Newcastle expect him to miss a few weeks but Howe has confirmed he is already running outside.
What Howe said (Sep 30): “He picked up an injury training with Sweden. He's come back and the scan doesn't look too bad so we're not too concerned it's a long injury but I think with any muscle injury there's a period you have to be careful. Isak is running on grass so he's looking good at the moment.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Allan Saint-Maximin – hamstring
Saint-Maximin has not been involved since the 1-1 draw with Wolves earlier this month due to a hamstring injury. He could be involved against Fulham, but Howe did not confirm either way.
What Howe said (Sep 30): “ Allan's doing well. Had a period away but he's came back and he's close, very close. There are a lot of moving parts with us at the moment so I'm being vague but I'm being vague because there are a lot of player situations that aren't clear. I'll know more after today.”
Potential return date: 01/10/22
Chris Wood – ribs
Wood picked up a rib injury during the international break with New Zealand. He is another player who Howe has not yet decided on their involvement.
What Howe said (Sep 30): “Chris Wood came off with a rib problem. Another player we'll make a very late decision on.”
Potential return date: 01/10/22
Karl Darlow – ankle
Darlow picked up an ankle injury in training earlier this month but could be back as early as next week.
What Howe said (Sep 16): “He was just in training doing normal shot action, but he twisted his ankle.”
Potential return date: 06/10/22
Elliott Anderson – Minor knock
Anderson missed Newcastle’s previous outing against Bournemouth last time out. Howe confirmed post-match, though, that it was only a minor knock and he should be fit for Fulham.
What Howe said (Sep 17): “A very minor niggle; he’ll be fit, fine, for the next game.”
Potential return date: 01/10/22
Jonjo Shelvey – hamstring
Shelvey is yet to feature this season after picking up a hamstring injury during the summer. Howe’s last update on his fitness was positive, though, and it shouldn’t be too long until he returns.
What Howe said (Sep 16): “Jonjo is making good progress. He's out on the grass running, and he's looking [in] good physical condition. He's looked after himself, so hopefully, it won't be too long.”
Potential return date: 16/10/22
Emil Krafth – knee
Krafth picked up a very serious knee injury back in August and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What Howe said (Aug 30): “It's an ACL injury. He's not been operated on yet, so it's difficult to give a firm date, but it's going to be six to nine months. A long time out, which is a huge blow to us.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Matt Ritchie – calf
The length of Matt Ritchie’s absence with a calf injury has not been explained, though reports claim he is a doubt for Fulham.
Potential return date: Unknown
READ NEXT:
- Take part in our Big Newcastle United survey as the one year anniversary of PIF's takeover nears
- Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
- Eddie Howe delivers Isak injury update and talks of triple boost for Newcastle United
- Garang Kuol's delight at 'unreal' Newcastle United move as exciting youngster completes transfer
- Allan Saint-Maximin's praise for Eddie Howe after Newcastle United boss turned club around
