Allan Saint-Maximin, Alexander Isak & Jonjo Shelvey: Newcastle United potential return dates

Newcastle United’s injury situation eased at the weekend following Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes’ returns against Fulham.

However, Eddie Howe is still without key players and here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the Magpies’ injury list and each player’s potential return date:

Allan Saint-Maximin

The injury

The 25-year-old has missed the last four Premier League games (Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth & Fulham) with a hamstring injury.

What’s been said?

“Yeah, hopefully,” Howe said when asked if Saint-Maximin will return this weekend. “It’s always difficult to give a guarantee but he did train with the team yesterday (Friday) and trained well but for me, it was too early to involve him.

“We need to make sure when he comes back he’s fit enough to do himself and the team justice.

“Hopefully, with a good training week under his belt, he could be close.”

Potential return date

All being well, Saint-Maximin is set to return for the visit of Brentford to St James’ Park on Saturday.

Alexander Isak

The injury

Isak was injured in training when on international duty with Sweden just under a fortnight ago.

What’s been said?

Howe said: “The scan doesn’t look too bad, so we’re not overly concerned it’s a long injury but with any muscle injury, there’s always a slight period where you have to be careful.

“He’s out running on grass so he’s looking good at the moment.”

Potential return date

How long Isak is out for exactly is unconfirmed, although some reports did suggest he could be sidelined for up to three weeks.

Jonjo Shelvey

The injury

Shelvey limped out of the 3-2 Eusebio Cup defeat to Benfica in pre-season which forced him to undergo hamstring surgery.

What’s been said?

“Jonjo’s making good progress,” Howe said. He’s out on the grass, he’s running, he’s looking good.

“He’s in a really good physical condition, he’s looking after himself, so we anticipate that hopefully, he won’t be too long.”

Potential return date

The 30-year-old is on course to return before the World Cup break in November. An exact date, however, is yet to be disclosed.

Matt Ritchie

The injury

Ritchie sustained a calf injury in training during the international break and missed the weekend win at Fulham.

What’s been said?

Howe hasn’t yet been asked about the former Scotland international’s absence.

Potential return date

There’s no return date in mind yet with Ritchie still being assessed by United’s medical team.

Karl Darlow

The injury

Darlow sustained a ‘strange’ knee injury in training, 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 revealed.

“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 will push for a 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

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

What’s been said?

“It’s an ACL injury,” Howe 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. It’s going to be a long time out for Emil which is a big blow for us.”

Potential return date

Any date from March 2023 onwards.