Newcastle United have been feeling the effects of a busy period in their Premier League campaign - even if results suggest otherwise.
Eddie Howe’s side played three games in seven days and picked up seven points from a possible nine before enjoying a six-day break ahead of beating Aston Villa 4-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Several United players have been carrying knocks however, so the eight-day break between the Villa game and Southampton on Sunday is welcomed by Howe & Co.
“There will be a few players that benefit from that break, to be honest,” Howe said. “We’ll manage them early part of this week but it’s all about driving them up to make sure when the game comes they are really physically.”
Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at Newcastle’s injury list and look at when each player could return to action:
1. Karl Darlow - ankle
Darlow injured his ankle in training in September. The goalkeeper is in the “latter stages” of his recovery and is on course to return after the World Cup break. Potential return date: Leicester City (A).
2. Paul Dummett - calf
Dummett, whose only appearance this term came in the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere, is recovering from a calf injury. Potential return date: Leicester City (A).
3. Emil Krafth - knee
Krafth suffered an ACL injury during the 2-1 win at Tranmere in August. He is currently back in Sweden going through his rehab. Potential return date: March 2023 onwards.
4. Matt Ritchie - calf
Ritchie picked up a calf injury in training during the last international break. Newcastle are unsure if the 33-year-old will return before the World Cup break. Potential return date: Leicester City (A).