Newcastle United could be without as many as 12 senior players for Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur (kick-off 12:30pm).
Eddie Howe’s side beat Fulham 1-0 at the weekend courtesy of Bruno Guimaraes’ 81st minute winner, however in the same game suffered a fresh injury concern.
Joe Willock, who has only recently returned from three months out with an Achillies problem, is still suffering from the same issue hence why he was forced off in the 40th minute at Craven Cottage.
“Joe is still feeling his Achilles,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “He’s been feeling this problem for a long time. We hoped that he would steadily improve but today was a down day where he didn’t look right and wasn’t able to continue.
“He wasn’t particularly in huge pain but it was enough to mean he wasn’t at his very best.”
Newcastle have been put in a position where they must decide whether to manage Willock’s fitness until the end of the campaign or indeed end it now.
The Magpies are chasing European qualification but only have a select group of players available. They are desperate to some key stars back, with the likes of Joelinton, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Tino Livramento currently sidelined.
Here’s Newcastle United’s injury list in full and when each player could return to action:
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