Newcastle United have been dealing with an injury crisis this season.
Eddie Howe was forced to play teenagers away at Bournemouth as Newcastle went into the international break in dire form, having not even been able to fill his bench for the trip to Borussia Dortmund.
Playing two games a week has placed a huge strain on the squad, with Howe having to deal with a frankly ridiculous injury crisis.
There has, however, been some good news to have emerged.
Newcastle injury news: Craig Hope delivers latest
Indeed, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has provided some good news on that front.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hope shared that there has been a boost in regard to Sven Botman.
There had been worries the Dutchman would require surgery on a knee problem but there is now hope he will avoid going under the knife if there is no further swelling.
Sean Longstaff, meanwhile, is making good progress on his ankle issue but remains a doubt for the Chelsea game after the international break.
According to Hope, both Miguel Almiron – who was forced off against Bournemouth – and Alexander Isak should be fit.
Newcastle injuries: Boosts come at best possible time
The schedule does not get any easier for Newcastle.
With Chelsea up after the break and then the Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, Howe faces some season-defining games.
While missing the likes of Botman and Longstaff would be a major worry, at least having Isak and Almiron fit lightens the load somewhat.
Newcastle have to roll with the punches on the injury front, there is little getting away from that. Still, to have received some good news at last is certainly most welcome after a pretty bleak time of it recently.
Hopefully, the cavalry will soon return.
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