Alexander Isak, Sven Botman & Ryan Fraser: Newcastle United injuries & return dates

Newcastle United fly out to Saudi Arabia on Sunday ahead of a week-long training camp in Riyadh. Eddie Howe’s side begin their mini pre-season, taking on Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal before returning to Tyneside to face La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

It is hoped a number of players will return from injury - and here’s a look at the injured players and their expected return dates.

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 is hoped Isak will play a part in both of the club’s December friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano in what head coach Howe has described as a “mini pre-season”.

Howe said: “I’m not sure whether he’ll train with us initially. I think he had a scan the other day on his injury and it looks good, it looks like it has healed. Now the process starts of building him up and making sure he’s robust enough to come through training.

“I’m not sure he’ll join in with us initially but we hope by the time the games starts, he’s available for selection.”

Potential return date

Al-Hilal (08/12).

Sven Botman

The injury

The £35million summer signing from Lille was forced off in the closing stages of Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Chelsea last time out with an ankle issue.

What Eddie Howe has said

“Sven, it seemed like he injured his ankle,” the Magpies head coach said. “We hope it’s not serious.”

Potential return date

Al-Hilal (08/12).

Ryan Fraser

The injury

The Scotland international missed the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace and the victory against Chelsea in the Premier League due to a calf issue.

What Eddie Howe has said

“Ryan’s got a calf problem,” Howe said after the Palace game. “I’m not sure how serious that is.”

Potential return date

Al-Hilal (08/12).

Paul Dummett

The injury

Dummett hasn’t featured in the Newcastle matchday squad since October due to a calf problem.

What Eddie Howe has said

“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

Al-Hilal (08/12).

Matt Ritchie

The injury

The 33-year-old sustained a calf injury during the September international break.

What Eddie Howe has said

Howe 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

Al-Hilal (08/12).

Emil Krafth

The injury

Krafth picked up an ACL injury during the 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers in August.

What Eddie Howe has said

Howe said: “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.