Newcastle injury update: two players news, as well as projected return dates….
Two games into the Premier League season, Newcastle United have injury concerns.
Eddie Howe’s side face an increased schedule this year following Champions League qualification last time out, making the need for rotation all the more pressing.
Before the European campaign kicks off, however, Newcastle face some big games on the domestic front.
Sunday afternoon brings Liverpool to St James’ Park before a trip to Brighton the following week ahead of the first international break of the season.
Joelinton
The Brazilian has reverted to a central midfield role this season but struggled in the defeat to Manchester City before limping off and being replaced by Sean Longstaff.
Howe said he did not know the extent of the injury immediately after the game. As it stands, he has not been ruled out of the Liverpool game.
“I don’t know. He wasn’t moving well when he came off so fingers crossed he’s ok,” Howe told TNT Sports at the Etihad Stadium.
Javier Manquillo
Though hardly likely to be involved in the first-team amid links with a move away from the club, Javier Manquillo missed the win over Aston Villa on the opening weekend with a groin problem, though Howe is hopeful its nothing serious.
“Just a slight groin complaint with Javier,” said Howe on August 7 (via Newcastle World).
“We hope it’s nothing serious.”
Potential return date: Sunday 27 August 2023 vs Liverpool
Joe Willock
Another key midfielder in Joe Willock has not played yet this season following a hamstring problem. The 24-year-old is not expected to feature before the international break.
“He’s had a really bad hamstring injury,” Howe told The Athletic on August 11.
“It was a serious injury to his hamstring, he missed the back end of last season and then through pre-season was working back.
“He has just felt a little bit of discomfort in his hamstring, not necessarily another pull to the area, just some discomfort, so we’ve had to lock him down again and he’s in the process now of building himself back up. We will probably miss him for the first group of games before the first international break.”
Potential return date: Saturday 17 September, 2023 vs Brentford
Emil Krafth
Defender Krafth suffered a long-term knee injury last year and has not played since. While he has returned to training in some capacity, it remains unclear as to when he will feature again, particularly with Tino Livramento now backing up Kieran Trippier.
Ruled out of pre-season, the Sweden international remains on the comeback trail.
