Alexander Isak, Jonjo Shelvey & Karl Darlow: Newcastle United potential return dates

Newcastle United have welcomed key players back from injury in recent weeks - with Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton coming as substitutes during the 5-1 win over Brentford.

However, Eddie Howe still remains without five senior players and here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at when those players could return to action:

Alexander Isak

The injury

Newcastle’s club-record signing picked up a thigh injury during the recent international break.

What’s been said?

“Unknown at the moment,” Howe said when asked for a return date. “He’s suffered a muscle problem to his thigh. A scan wasn’t overly bad but again, the medical team are just being cautious with him at this moment.

“He’s progressing very well. He’s running on grass, increasing his speed so he’s in a good place. But the medical team are just holding him back slightly. Hopefully it won’t be too long.”

Potential return date

Unconfirmed, although the Daily Mail reports that Isak has a chance of making the bench at Od

are suggestions the 22-year-old could return in time for Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

Jonjo Shelvey

The injury

Shelvey hasn’t kicked a ball since pre-season after undergoing hamstring surgery in August.

What’s been said?

Howe said last Friday: “Jonjo, I’d say, is ahead of schedule. He’s hopefully going to be involved with us in training today for the first time.

“There will still be a bit of caution from me and the medical team as to when he’s ready to play, but he’s certainly making positive strides at the moment.”

Potential return date

The midfielder could come back into contention as early as next week (Everton and Spurs), although that depends on how Shelvey’s coped in training.

Matt Ritchie

The injury

Ritchie is understood to have picked up a calf injury in training during the recent international break.

What’s been said?

Howe is yet to be asked about the 33-year-old’s absence.

Potential return date

Unconfirmed.

Karl Darlow

Darlow sustained a knee injury in training last month, which prompted Newcastle to sign former Liverpool goalkepeer Loris Karius as short-term cover.

What’s been said?

“The injury to Darlow was strange how he picked it up,” Howe said..

“He was just doing goalkeeping training with two or three goalkeepers and twisted his ankle from a normal shot action.

“Karl won’t be out long-term, we anticipate he’ll be back around six to eight weeks, we’re hoping it’s more six than eight, in which case he’ll be available for a lot of games.”

Potential return date

The 31-year-old is aiming to return before the World Cup break, If not, Darlow should be back for the visit to Leicester City on Boxing Day.

Emil Krafth

The injury

Krafth is a long-term absence after sustaining an ACL injury during the 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers in August.

What’s been said?

“He hasn’t been operated on yet so difficult to give you a firm date but it’s going to be six to nine months,” Howe said. “It’s going to be a long time out for Emil which is a big blow for us.”

Potential return date

Any day from March 2023 onwards.