Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, Sven Botman: Newcastle United injury list & expected return dates

The Magpies will be hoping to pick up where they left off before the two-week international break by continuing their unbeaten start to the new campaign. Eddie Howe’s side have beaten Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, drew away to AFC Bournemouth and knocked Nottingham Forest out of the Carabao Cup.

Here, NewcastleWorld, takes a look at the squad’s current injury/ absentee list and when each player is expected to return.

Emil Krafth

The 30-year-old, who has started the last three games at centre-back in Fabian Schar’s absence, withdrew from the Sweden squad due to a “minor” injury.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

“He’s never really played centre half in a back four, which is totally different to a back three and he has done brilliantly in Fabian’s absence. He’s very dependable.

“First and foremost he’s a great character, he wants to play for Newcastle and absolutely motivated to improve. Full credit to him.”

Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), 15/09.

Joe Willock

Willock made his first start since April in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest last month and opened the scoring just 18 seconds in. However, he limped off with a thigh injury in the 15th minute.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

“Joe had a scan, an early scan, it is relatively good news. I don’t think it is a serious injury, but it is early, so we will re-scan again in a few days just to confirm that.”

Expected return date: Fulham (A), 21/09.

Fabian Schar

Schar has been suspended for the last three games following his controversial red card for clashing with Ben Brereton Diaz on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

“I think it's really harsh on Fabby, although I think we all know that you can't give the referee the possibility to even give the red card. It looks like he has been caught by a well-managed situation. It's something we'll learn from.”

Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), 15/09.

Callum Wilson

Wilson picked up a back injury during the first week of pre-season, which required an injection. He has missed all four of the club’s opening competitive fixtures.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

"Callum is continuing his rehabilitation from injury; I am happy with his progress. He is working very hard, as he always does. We miss him, he adds a different dynamic. He is such an important character around the squad, we hope to get him back soon.”

Expected return date : Fulham (A), 21/09.

Lewis Miley

The 18-year-old midfielder fractured his metatarsal just days before he was scheduled to report back for pre-season.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

“We lost Callum [Wilson] during the early stages of pre-season, Lewy Miley, Matt Targett is making his early steps back...”

Expected return date: TBC

Sven Botman

The Dutch defender has been sidelined since March because of an ACL injury. It came after Botman had previously missed three months with a knee injury.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

Speaking in March, Howe said: "A big blow, Quite a complex story around Sven this season since he got his knee injury. Initially he had a partial tear of his ACL.

"We sought specialist opinion on that injury and there were sort of conflicting reports coming back on what he should do next. Ultimately our medical team advised him to get surgery, he himself wanted to carry on playing.

"We always try to guide and help the players but ultimately it's their bodies and they have to make the final decision. Unfortunately, he succumbed to injury eventually. But I've seen several players from that injury carry on playing and stay fit.

"It's a delicate period for him and he has a long period of rehab ahead of him and we wish him well and hope he comes back in a good place.”

Expected return date: December 2024 .

Jamaal Lascelles

Just a couple of weeks after Botman sustained an ACL injury, club skipper Lascelles did the same during the early stages of the 4-3 win over West Ham United.

What’s Eddie Howe said?

"He's come together with [Michail] Antonio and unfortunately ended up with a serious injury. Initially it's always difficult to accept. One minute you're in the team, the next you've got a long period of rehab.

“He'll have low moments during that long stretch but he's got a good team of people around him and Sven [Botman], who is in a very similar position."

Expected return date: Late 2024/ early 2025