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. Nick Pope - shoulder
Pope dislocated his shoulder in the Premier League win over Man Utd but is recovering ahead of schedule. Possible return date: Mid to late March 2024.
2. Sandro Tonali - banned
Tonali is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
3. Joelinton - thigh
Joelinton underwent thigh surgery last month and won't return until May at the earliest. Possible return date: May 2024.
4. Matt Targett - hamstring
Targett underwent hamstring surgery early December. Could return to training in the next couple of weeks. Possible return date: Wolves (H) 02/03.