Alexander Isak, Joelinton & Sven Botman: Newcastle United injury list & possible return dates

Newcastle United are hoping for positive news on the injury front ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round clash against Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe & Co were without top scorer Alexander Isak for the 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders on Liverpool on Wednesday due a groin issue, while Sven Botman and Joelinton were once again absent from the squad.

But will they return this weekend? NewcastleWorld takes a look at each player’s potential return date:

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s top scorer this campaign with 21 goals, was left out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool due to a groin issue.

What has Eddie Howe said?

Speaking after the game at Anfield, Howe said: “It goes without saying how important he is to us and I think you could see that today, I thought we missed him.

“It was a late decision around midday today that we just didn't feel right in his groin, so we didn't want to take the risk, we've got too many big games to come.”

Possible return date

Brighton & Hove Albion (H) 02/03

Sven Botman

Sven Botman was withdrawn with a knee issue in Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, forcing him to miss the last four matches against Birmingham City, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

What has Eddie Howe said?

Speaking ahead of the visit to Anfield, Howe said: “Sven's improving and he's improving quickly, so we'll see whether he makes the game or not. He'll be close.”

Possible return date

Brighton & Hove Albion (H) 02/03

Joelinton

Joelinton sustained a knee issue in the recent defeat to Fulham. He has since missed the last five matches against Arsenal, Birmingham and Man City, Forest and Liverpool.

What has Eddie Howe said?

“Again with Joe, similar to Sven, he is really improving, doing really well, pushing,” Howe said pre-Liverpool. “Again he is another player that will be close.”

Possible return date

Brighton & Hove Albion (H), 02/03

Jamaal Lascelles

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles has been on the sidelines for 11 months recovering from an ACL injury.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

“Jamal's continuing to work,” said Howe last Friday. “I think he was the last player to leave yesterday with some of the staff. He works extraordinarily long hours to try and get himself fit. I think he was here until five o'clock again yesterday. Dedicated, as you've seen a player try to return from injury.

“He's had various problems and little setbacks, nothing major during his recovery, but just little moments that have ended up knocking his recovery back. So he's been on the grass. He's been training individually with physios.

“He hasn't got beyond that stage yet, but I think he's in a pretty good place. We're probably looking towards the end of the season as a return date for him.”

Possible return date

April/ May 2025