Newcastle United now have five players ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
The Magpies have been without £52million summer signing Sandro Tonali since October because of a betting ban and that, as it stands, doesn’t expire until August. Recently, both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffered ACL injuries, which will rule the defensive pair out between six and nine months.
And speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, United head coach Eddie Howe confirmed midfield duo Lewis Miley and Joe Willock will be rested until pre-season.
“With Joe, we all have decided - the medical team, Joe – that a period where he strengthens the area around his Achilles would benefit him more, so he went to see a specialist, and they said, 'Look, you've got a couple of options here',” said Howe.
“He could have carried on playing, but I think the longer-term view was taken, 'Let's get him right for next season', so that's what everyone is working towards.
“I think that's been made clear to him now on a couple of occasions, that surgery wouldn't be beneficial to his situation. The Achilles is improving well from the original injury that he had. He still had a little bit of discomfort in there, but we hope with rest and strengthening that he will be fine.”
On Miley, Howe added: “The decision made on him again was to look at his long-term future and try to protect him, so we won’t see Lewie again this season.
“He's done brilliantly this season, but I think with the back problem that he has, rest is probably the right way for us to go and even if there was a chance – and there possibly was if we pushed him to come back – we took that away very early with his age and thinking about his long-term prospects."
That leaves Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Nick Pope. When will each player return? Here’s each player’s expected comeback 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.
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.
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.
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.