Alexander Isak, Joelinton & Chris Wood: Newcastle United injuries and return dates
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Newcastle United will round off their preparations for a return to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime when La Liga club Rayo Vallecano visit St James Park.
The Magpies have already made the most of their recent break from competitive action after undergoing a warm weather training camp in Saudi Arabia and securing a 5-0 win against Al-Hilal in a friendly fixture last Thursday. Once the meeting with Rayo is over, all focus will be on the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City as Eddie Howe’s side look to continue their impressive push for Europe.
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Hide AdAhead of Saturday’s game against the Spanish side, we look at the latest injury news and assess when some members of Howe’s squad could return to action.
Alexander Isak
The injury
The Magpies’ club-record signing picked up a thigh injury on international duty with Sweden in September and hasn’t played since. When the 23-year-old was closing in on a return during October, he aggravated the problem.
What Eddie Howe has said
“It was just a recurrence. It was exactly the same on the scan as the original one. I’d say he is naturally disappointed. When you come to a new club you want to make an instant impact and impression. To be fair to him he did against Liverpool and Crystal Palace. He scored against Bournemouth. He just wanted that to last longer. Being in the Premier League and enjoying it, it’s very difficult when you are injured and out for a sustained period like he has been. We’ve just tried to support him and we look to get him back as quickly as possible.”
Potential return date
Leicester City (26/12)
Chris Wood
The injury
The New Zealand international started last week’s friendly against Al-Hilal but only lasted for 39 minutes after he suffered a back injury.
What Eddie Howe has said
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Hide Ad“I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers crossed, they’re not too bad.”
Potential return date
Rayo Vallecano (17/12)
Joelinton
The injury
The Brazilian star impressed as he scored twice in the 5-0 friendly win against Al-Hilal but was forced off early with a hamstring injury.
What Eddie Howe has said
“I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers crossed, they’re not too bad.”
Potential return date
Rayo Vallecano (17/12)
Paul Dummett
The injury
Dummett hasn’t featured in the Newcastle matchday squad since the 4-1 win at Fulham in October due to a calf problem. The long-serving defender has made just one appearance all season and that came in the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers in August.
What Eddie Howe has said
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Hide Ad“Yeah and he’s getting closer,” Howe said before the Southampton win. “He’s running and he’s seen a couple of specialists to check and find solutions to a couple of the muscle problems he’s been getting. He’s in a good place.”
Potential return date
Rayo Vallecano (17/12)
Matt Ritchie
The injury
The 33-year-old sustained a calf injury during the September international break and has not featured in a matchday squad since he was an unused substitute in a 1-1 home draw with his former club Bournemouth.
What Eddie Howe has said
“Matt has picked up a calf problem. We don’t know whether he’ll be back before the World Cup but he’s doing well.”
Potential return date
Rayo Vallecano (17/12)
Emil Krafth
The injury
Krafth picked up an ACL injury during the 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers in August and there were initial fears he could miss the remainder of the season.
What Eddie Howe has said:
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Hide Ad“It’s a massive blow for us. Emil has been superb for us ever since I came to the football club. In all sorts of ways, on the pitch and off the pitch, he’s a brilliant guy. We’re all really feeling for him now. It’s an ACL injury, so he’ll be out for a number of months.”
Potential return date
March 2023 onwards