Following a relentless few months, Newcastle United's injury situation is beginning to ease a little ahead of entering 2024.
The year 2023 has proven to be a memorable one for the Magpies having played their first cup final at Wembley for 24 years and returning to the Champions League.
While Eddie Howe's side fell short on both fronts - losing to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final and finishing bottom of a group consisting of Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan - no one can argue that they didn't put up a good fight.
But unfortunately for Howe's squad, the increased volume of games has taken its toll in recent weeks. Not only has United's absentee list reached double figures, but the players that are playing week in, week out have looked leggy.
It's a contributing factor to a major dip in form for Newcastle, who have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions and slipped to ninth in the Premier League table.
United travel to Liverpool on New Year's Day before facing bitter rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup third round. League games against Manchester City and Aston Villa then follow.
Will Howe welcome back any of his unavailable players in the midst of a challenging fixture list? Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at each player's possible return date:
1. Fabian Schar - hamstring
Schar felt tightness in his hamstring against Sheffield United, which forced him to withdraw at half-time. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05. | Getty Images
2. Sven Botman - ACL
The Dutchman has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee. Possible return date: December 2024. | Getty Images
3. Matt Targett - Achilles
Targett is sidelined for the rest of the season with an Achilles issue having only just returned from four months out. Possible return date: 2024-25 season. | Getty Images
4. Jamaal Lascelles - ACL
Lascelles sustained an ACL injury against West Ham and will be sidelined for six to nine months. Possible return date: December 2024. | AFP via Getty Images