Newcastle United meet Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this Wednesday with boss Eddie Howe handling a few injury concerns, amid an update on Joe Willock.
The Toon have enjoyed a fantastic start to their return to UEFA’s elite club competition so far this season. Howe has Newcastle sitting atop Group F after beating Paris Saint-Germain and drawing with AC Milan. While Borussia Dortmund sit last having not scored a goal this term.
Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten in the Bundesliga, though, having won six of their opening eight games. BVB also now visit St James’ Park on a five-game unbeaten run that features a draw with AC Milan. It is Newcastle’s first-ever competitive tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle United injury list ahead of facing Borussia Dortmund
Newcastle will welcome Borussia Dortmund to Tyneside on their own run of form. Howe has the Magpies unbeaten across their past eight fixtures, including six wins. Alexander Isak and Joelinton also returned from a knee injury and a hamstring injury at home to Crystal Palace.
But while Isak and Joelinton returned at the perfect time to face Borussia Dortmund, Howe still has a few injury concerns at Newcastle. So, with that in mind, here is their current state.
Joe Willock injury latest
Howe is still yet to include Willock in any Newcastle line-up this season after the 24-year-old sustained an Achilles injury. The injury even came amid his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of last season. But Howe has finally welcomed Willock back into training.
Willock has not featured since the middle of May against Brighton & Hove Albion. But he is now closing in on his return to action after resuming full training at Darsley Park during the October international break. Crystal Palace’s visit to Tyneside came just too soon to feature.
“I want him back,” Howe said, via the Shields Gazette, before Newcastle met Crystal Palace. “He’s trained this week for the first time with the group. But it’s probably a bit early to have him involved in the matchday squad. But he’s getting closer and he’s a huge player for us.”
Expected return: Borussia Dortmund (October 25)
Sven Botman injury latest
Howe confirmed coming out of the October international break that Sven Botman remained a few weeks away from returning to Newcastle duty following a knee injury. The 23-year-old is likely to miss nine Magpies matches all in, despite using the gap in fixtures to build fitness.
Botman last featured for the Toon against Sheffield United as the St James’ Park natives won 8-0. He also scored against the Blades. But Botman was still training alone at Darsley Park at the end of the October break. Howe expects the defender will return to action in November.
“He was not close,” he said, via the Shields Gazette, before Newcastle met Crystal Palace. “Obviously, I couldn’t say that yesterday [Friday]. But he hasn’t trained yet, he’s got a bit of a way to go. Hopefully, it won’t be too long. But [the] next couple of weeks, he won’t be fit.”
Expected return: Borussia Dortmund (November 7)
Harvey Barnes injury latest
Newcastle have been without Harvey Barnes due to his significant foot injury since thrashing Sheffield United. The 25-year-old is liekly to be out of action until the New Year following a strong start to his Toon career. He joined after Leicester City’s relegation for £39m this July.
Howe confirmed that the forward faces at least three months on the sidelines soon after the blow. But Barnes did not need surgery for the foot injury he sustained after just 12 minutes at Bramall Lane. Barnes will also not return to training until, at least, nearer to the end of 2023.
“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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