For the first time in years, Newcastle United must think about rotating their squad.
The journey to the Carabao Cup final gave Eddie Howe some experience with that last season but the return of the Champions League puts a greater strain on his resources.
AC Milan await inside San Siro on Tuesday but Newcastle must first get back to winning ways at home to Brentford on Saturday evening.
With that in mind, here’s an update on the latest Newcastle injuries ahead of two key games.
Sandro Tonali
The midfielder missed Italy’s game against Ukraine with a muscle problem. Howe has confirmed Tonali is a doubt for the Brentford clash, though hinted the issue was not particularly serious.
“There’s a slight injury there, it’s nothing serious or too long but we’ll wait and see if he’s available this weekend,” said Howe at Friday’s pre-match press conference (via Football Daily).
Potential return date: Tuesday 19 September 2023 vs AC Milan
Sven Botman
The Dutchman looks to have avoided serious injury despite some concern when he came off against Liverpool. While Botman missed the loss to Brighton, Howe hinted he could play on Saturday against Brentford.
“Possibly,” said Howe when asked about the defender (via Football Daily).
“He’s trained this week so fingers crossed for Sven, we’ll see how he feels today.”
Potential return date: Saturday 16 September vs Brentford
Elliot Anderson
Anderson pulled out of the Scotland squad with a mystery injury but Howe has confirmed there is hope he will be available for Saturday.
“We hope so,” he said (via Football Daily).
“Fingers crossed Elliot will make it.”
Potential return date: Saturday 16 September vs Brentford
Emil Krafth
The Sweden international has not played in over a year now following a knee injury despite returning to training.
According to The Athletic, he’s a doubt for Saturday.
Potential return date: Unknown
Javier Manquillo
Like Krafth, Manquillo hasn’t played this season and, even if he was fit, it’s hard to see how he gets in the team.
The Athletic also add the Spaniard is a doubt for the Brentford game.
Potential return date: Unknown
Joe Willock
The midfielder is yet to play this season and, according to The Chronicle, suffered a fresh setback on his recovery from injury earlier this month.
As such, he’s not expected back for a while.
Potential return date: Unknown
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