Joe Willock has been ruled out of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur - but his season might not be over yet.
The former Arsenal midfielder was forced during the first-half of the Magpies’ 1-0 win at Fulham last weekend. Willock has been struggling with an Achilles issue this campaign and has missed a large chunk of the campaign.
Providing an update, United boss Eddie Howe explained: “Joe has been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his Achilles, which has been problematic for him. It has been a difficult injury because it’s not been straightforward, he’s had complications through the progress of him returning back to full fitness.
“His feedback was positive generally in that the respect that the Achilles is healing and doing well but it will fluctuate from time to time and have moments where he is not feeling so good.
“For Tottenham, I’m not sure, I probably think he won’t be available for us. There’s a chance he’ll be available then throughout the rest of the season but again that is slightly unclear. We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive so that might mean a short period of rest.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hall is a doubt for the visit of Spurs. The on-loan Chelsea left-back has started the last two games but hasn’t trained this week due to a quad problem.
“Lewis Hall has not trained at all this week so he has been a slight concern from the previous game,” said Howe.
Howe is already without 12 senior players, although he hopes that will reduce by “three or four” in the coming weeks.
The former Bournemouth manager continued: “The closest player to coming back is Tino Livramento, whose not joined in training yet but has been more visible on the grass so he’s the closest.
“Other players are sort of in the background and beginning to improve quite quickly so I’m hopeful that in the not too distant future we can get three or four players back.”
Here’s Newcastle United’s injury list in full:
1. Fabian Schar - hamstring
Schar felt tightness in his hamstring against Sheffield United, which forced him to withdraw at half-time. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05. | Getty Images
2. Sven Botman - ACL
The Dutchman has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee. Possible return date: December 2024. | Getty Images
3. Matt Targett - Achilles
Targett is sidelined for the rest of the season with an Achilles issue having only just returned from four months out. Possible return date: 2024-25 season. | Getty Images
4. Jamaal Lascelles - ACL
Lascelles sustained an ACL injury against West Ham and will be sidelined for six to nine months. Possible return date: December 2024. | AFP via Getty Images