Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak & Joe Willock: Newcastle United expected return dates

We’re halfway through the October international break as Newcastle United prepare to return to Premier League action in six days’ time.

Crystal Palace are the visitors to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and head coach Eddie Howe hopes to welcome back some players from injury.

NewcastleWorld takes a look at when each player is expected to return:

Sandro Tonali

Tonali, along with Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo, left Italy’s squad on Thursday and will return to Tyneside amid a probe by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office.

A statement by the Italian Federation read: “The Federation announces that, in the late afternoon of today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Center in Coverciano.

“Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”

Expected return: Crystal Palace 21/10 (H)

Alexander Isak - groin

Isak scored twice in last Sunday afternoon’s 2-2 draw against West Ham United before signalling to withdraw in the closing stages.

And after being examined by Sweden’s medical staff on Monday, the 24-year-old has been forced to pull out of the squad with a groin injury.

NewcastleWorld understands Isak’s injury is not serious and he has not yet been ruled out of the Crystal Palace game.

Expected return: Crystal Palace 21/10 (H)

Joelinton - hamstring

Joelinton lasted less than four minutes after coming on as a substitute against Burnley after picking up a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian hasn’t trained since but it is hoped he will return after the international break.

Expected return: Crystal Palace 21/10 (H)

Sven Botman - knee

Dutch defender Sven Botman has missed the last four matches with a knee injury but United hope to have him back available when Palace visit St James’ Park.

Expected return: Crystal Palace (H) - 21/10

Joe Willock - Achilles

Joe Willock hasn’t featured for Newcastle since May when he picked up a hamstring injury in the penultimate home game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

He was expected to return in pre-season but suffered a setback. Then, last month, during his recovery, the midfielder sustained a new Achilles injury.

Howe hopes the former Arsenal man will make a big step towards returning after the international break.

Expected return: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - 28/10

Harvey Barnes - foot/ toe

Harvey Barnes won’t return to action until the beginning of 2024 after picking up a foot injury during the 8-0 win at Sheffield United.

The injury doesn’t require surgery but it won’t be until late December when the £38million summer signing returns to training.

Expected return: January 2024