Newcastle United will remain without Callum Wilson for Tuesday night's Premier League trip away to Aston Villa (kick-off 8:15pm).
The England international, who has been linked with a St James' Park exit this month, hasn't featured since the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest after picking up a calf issue.
United boss Eddie Howe originally said the 31-year-old to return in time for the trip to Villa Park but that won't be the case. Asked by NewcastleWorld if Wilson had suffered a setback, Howe said: “No setback, no. We hoped he’d be back. I think he was given a four to five week timeline which coincided with this game but I think it’s going to be more the five weeks than four.”
Also missing are Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson but Howe says the trio are the "closest to returning". The 46-year-old said: "Harvey is getting closer, probably the closest out of the ones you mentioned along with Callum Wilson. Then you go a bit further back to Joe Willock and further back to Elliot. Those guys are probably closest to returning to helping us."
It's hoped Miguel Almiron can return after missing the 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday through illness. Meanwhile, club captain Jamaal Lascelles is a doubt because of a calf issue. Howe said: “We hope Miggy will be with us. Jamaal I’m not so sure about. It’s not a serious injury but I think it might be enough to keep him out of this game. We’ll wait and see, I think he’ll be close. But we certainly hope to have Miggy with us."
Here is Newcastle United's current absentee list in full:
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