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:
5. Fabian Schar - hamstring
Schar was forced to withdraw in the closing stages of Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring. Eddie Howe hopes the defender will be OK to feature this weekend. Potential return date: Southampton (A). | Getty Images
6. Joelinton - suspended
Joelinton is injury-free, although will miss Newcastle’s clash at Southampton on Sunday after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Potential return date: Crystal Palace (H). | AFP via Getty Images
7. Alexander Isak - thigh
Isak has been having injections into his thigh and isn’t expected to return until the next five to six weeks, ruling him out of action until after the World Cup. Potential return date: Leicester City (A). | Getty Images