Eddie Howe has a clutch of injury concerns ahead of Newcastle United hosting Crystal Palace, as hope lingers at St James’ Park that Alexander Isak will be passed fit to start.
The Magpies come out of the international break at home to the Eagles this Saturday. Howe will be desperate to welcome back a number of the Newcastle stars with injury concerns for their match. Crystal Palace will climb above the Toon in the Premier League table if they win.
Newcastle started the term slowly but found form before the pause in domestic action. Isak played a vital role in their run, too, with six goals as the 24-year-old targets the Golden Boot. Odsonne Edouard is Crystal Palace’s top goalscorer so far this season with four to his name.
Newcastle United injury list ahead of facing Crystal Palace
But while Isak stretched his tally with a brace as Newcastle drew 2-2 with West Ham United last time out, the striker sustained an injury. The issue also forced the attacker to pull out of the Sweden squad. Now, he is one of several possible doubts to take on Roy Hodgson’s side.
Isak remaining on the sidelines as Newcastle take on Crystal Palace will, no doubt, frustrate Howe. But he is not their only player currently receiving treatment at Darsley Park. So, with that in mind, here is the latest news on the Toon’s current injury situation at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak injury latest
An injury for Isak forced Howe to take him off during the final stages of Newcastle and West Ham’s draw. The striker took a knock at London Stadium and could not continue, forcing him to also withdraw from Sweden’s squad. But Isak could now return at home to Crystal Palace.
The Shields Gazette notes that Isak has been playing through a minor knee injury of late. But a separate problem that Newcastle do not believe to be serious forced him off at West Ham. So, he should remain available for selection when Howe picks his Magpies side on Saturday.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (October 21)
Joelinton injury latest
Howe stated ahead of visiting West Ham that Newcastle expect Joelinton to return from his injury against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian was unable to train ahead of their stalemate after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury. He had initially returned to play against Burnley.
Joelinton first suffered the injury against Liverpool in August before suffering a recurrence in September while representing Brazil. A second recurrence then sent the 27-year-old back to Darsley Park for added treatment. But Howe hopes that Joelinton has finally recovered fully.
“Ultimately, he wasn’t close [to face West Ham],” Howe told The Shields Gazette. “He hasn’t trained with us yet and, hopefully, for the next game he will be back. We missed Joelinton.”
Expected return: Crystal Palace (October 21)
Sven Botman injury latest
The international break may have come at the perfect time for Newcastle to welcome Sven Botman back from an injury. He has taken to Instagram to say that he will be, ‘Coming back stronger than ever’. Howe has been without the 23-year-old for the Toon’s last four games.
Botman has not featured since the Magpies thrashed Sheffield United 8-0 after sustaining a knee injury. The Bramall Lane riot marked his sixth game of the campaign and also returned his sole goal so far. Botman headed home Kieran Trippier’s cross to move the Toon 3-0 clear.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (October 21)
Joe Willock injury latest
Newcastle are still waiting for Joe Willock to make his first appearance of the term due to an Achilles injury. The 24-year-old even sustained that blow whilst recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered last term. Howe has not called on the midfielder since the middle of May.
Howe hopes to welcome Willock back at least into training later in October, according to the Shields Gazette. But Willock still remains a few weeks away from a return to fitness. It might also take some time for him to get up to speed and be in a place ready for his season debut.
Expected return: Manchester United (November 1)
Harvey Barnes injury latest
Newcastle took advantage of Leicester City’s relegation to get Harvey Barnes in July but lost the forward to an injury in just his second start. The £39m transfer suffered a significant foot injury against Sheffield United. It is even due to keep the 25-year-old out until the New Year.
Howe confirmed that Barnes did not need surgery for his foot injury but faces three months out of action. He sustained the blow just 12 minutes into the Bramall Lane affair. Barnes will also not return to training until near the end of 2023 before he can start building his fitness.
“We think he’s going to be out for around three months,” Howe noted about Barnes’ injury, via quotes by Sky Sports, in September. “No surgery required, which is good news, but his foot is now in a boot. It is an injury underneath his toe and he’s now started his recovery.
“I think he’s going to be quite sedate for a period of time because he’s got to rest the toe. He’s got to give it every chance to recover, and then we’ll have to build him up slowly. So, that’s why it’s the three months.”
Expected return: Manchester City (January 13)
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