Newcastle United cannot seem to go very long without picking up more injury problems.
Even before Sven Botman suffered his second significant injury of the season away at Manchester City just before the international break, Newcastle were without Tino Livramento following his knock in the defeat away at Chelsea.
Indeed, the likes of Callum Wilson, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Nick Pope are all out for various issues, while Harvey Barnes was another injury complaint in the build-up to last week’s double-header.
Though injuries alone cannot be blamed for the difficulties Eddie Howe’s side have endured this season, the sheer number and frequency of them simply cannot be ignored.
Still, it seems Howe could be handed what would be a rare boost on the injury front when the Premier League returns this coming weekend.
Newcastle injury news: Big boost ahead of West Ham
According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle could welcome back three players for the meeting with West Ham at St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Kieran Trippier is expected to return following his injury during the win away at Wolves, while Livramento and Barnes could join him in the squad.
The players not currently away on international duty are in Dubai for a spot of warm-weather training as Newcastle look for a strong finish to the season.
Newcastle injuries: Good news at last
Having Barnes back affords more options going forward, perhaps offering Howe the chance to rotate either Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy. That certainly makes the squad stronger, while Livramento has been excellent all season at either left-back or right-back.
Trippier, meanwhile, has endured a difficult time of things but remains the joint-leading assist provider in the Premier League all season with ten. After a break, perhaps he can get back to something approaching his best.
The game against the Hammers offers Newcastle the chance to close the gap on the spots for European qualification. Getting some rare good news on the injury front ahead of that feels important.
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