‘Hopefully’ - Newcastle United star set to return ahead of schedule after ‘frustrating’ injury blow

Newcastle United are hopeful of seeing Harvey Barnes return to playing before the end of the year.

The winger was making just his second start following his £38million summer move from Leicester City when he picked up a toe injury during the early stages of the Magpies’ 8-0 win at Sheffield United last month.

Surgery wasn’t required but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed Barnes needed three months recovery.

Howe then went on to confirm the recovery period was for Barnes to return to training rather than playing, which ruled him out until early 2024. However, in a new update, Howe hopes to have 25-year-old back slightly sooner.

“Hopefully we can get him back a little earlier than that but we’re looking towards the end of December,” Howe told NewcastleWorld.

“Yeah, he’s OK. I think it was a frustrating injury because it was very innocuous, he felt pain in his toe when trying to push off, which is a movement he’s done many times in his career.

“And it’s frustrating one because I don’t think there’s a lot you can do early on, you just have to rest and let the bone heal. Once he starts moving that then hopefully he’ll feel quite good.”

Barnes is among a number of Newcastle attackers currently sidelined. Alexander Isak suffered a recurrence of his thigh issue during the midweek defeat to Borussia Dortmund, while Jacob Murphy dislocated his shoulder.

Elliot Anderson, who can play in midfield or on the left-hand side, is out for eight weeks with a back injury.

Howe said: “We’re a big light in the attacking areas. I think I said we have a deeper squad this season, but if you get injuries in one position, or in certain positions, then that quickly changes.

“Unfortunately, we’re missing Harvey, Elliot and now Alexander and Jacob, and suddenly our attacking resources look stretched.”