Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey - Newcastle United injuries & potential return dates

Fabian Schar

The problem

Schar withdrew from Switzerland’s two friendlies against England and Kosovo late last week after picking up an abductor injury in training.

What’s been said

Prior to linking up with his national team, Eddie Howe revealed the central defender has also been managing a groin tweak.

Potential return date

The 30-year-old will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s visit to Spurs, where United will hope Schar is fit to start his 19th game under Howe.

Martin Dubravka

The problem

Like Schar, Dubravka had to pull out of Slovakia’s squad for friendlies in Norway and Finland due to an unspecified infection.

What’s been said

Slovakia boss Stefan Tarkovic was translated as saying Dubravka “suspects angina” - a chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

However, as revealed by NewcastleWorld, the 33-year-old has had an infection and there are no signs of any heart issues.

Potential return date

Dubravka is expected to train with Newcastle sometime this week and be in contention for the trip to North London on Sunday.

Jonjo Shelvey

The problem

Shelvey missed back-to-back games against Chelsea and Everton - which Newcastle both lost 1-0.

What’s been said

After missing the game at Stamford Bridge, Howe confirmed the midfielder was still suffering from illness, hence why he was absent versus Everton.

Potential return date

Shelvey was pictured training with his teammates in Dubai, which suggests - all being well - he’ll be available for selection against Tottenham.

Federico Fernandez

The problem

Having only just recovered from a calf injury, Fernandez was ruled out of United’s three away games in seven days - Southampton, Chelsea & Everton - with a muscle strain.

What’s been said

The Argentine last featured for Newcastle during the 1-0 win over Burnley on December 4 but Howe has spoken of the defender’s impact off the pitch.

Speaking in February, Howe said: “Fede is a really, really important person in terms of his leadership qualities within the group.

“I think he’s a real fighter, in terms of our position in the league at the moment, and I think he’s a really inspirational figure around the club.”

Potential return date

Fernandez was present during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, meaning he could return to the matchday squad at Tottenham.

Kieran Trippier

The problem

The England right-back fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on February 13.

What’s been said

Trippier stepped up his recovery in Dubai last week, as captured by the club’s media team.

Speaking to NUFCTV about his recovery, the 31-year-old said: “My recovery is going really well. I’m moving a lot better now, my ankle isn’t as tight.

“Mentally, it was important I came out of the (protective) boot at the right time.

“I’m just looking forward to stepping up my recovery and coming back quickly.”

Potential return date

Should Trippier remain unscathed during the early stages of his rehab, he could potentially return to action by the end of April.

Callum Wilson

The problem

United’s top scorer hasn’t kicked a ball since December 27 after injuring his calf during the 1-1 home draw against Manchester United.

What’s been said

“I’d say they’re on schedule from where they were given their respective injuries, but I wouldn’t say necessarily ahead of schedule,” Howe said last when asked about Wilson and Trippier.

Howe continued: “Callum’s injury, you have to be very careful with; that we don’t push him back too quickly and he ends up injuring himself again, because the Achilles/calf is a very delicate area of the body and you need to make sure it’s robust enough to withstand heavy load.”

Potential return date

Reports last week claimed Wilson is also targeting an end of April return, which could see him available for fixtures against Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley.