Newcastle United face a date with destiny on Sunday.
For Newcastle United, the outcome of Sunday’s clash with Everton on the final day of the Premier League season could define an era.
Indeed, if Eddie Howe’s side beat the Toffees, they will qualify for the Champions League. If they don’t, then the Europa League looks set to await.
It is a huge game at St James’ Park and the Newcastle United manager needs all of his key players available. Sadly for Howe, there are doubts in regard to both Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Newcastle United injury news and potential return dates.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak
Isak missed Newcastle’s loss at Arsenal with a groin injury. With the team having failed to score from open play in the Premier League without him this season, the idea of him missing Sunday’s game is a major concern.
Frustratingly, Isak is a doubt for Newcastle against Everton. As of Friday morning, the striker hadn’t trained with the team, although Howe did confirm he was out running on grass.
Naturally, Howe did not want to give too much away when speaking at his pre-match press conference, but he did reveal a decision would be made late in the build-up to the game for Isak to prove his fitness.
Howe revealed: “Alex is doing okay, hasn’t trained with us yet but has made good progress. Next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend.
“There is a chance, we will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Sunday 25 May 2025 vs Everton
Kieran Trippier
Trippier has returned to form for Newcastle this season. With Lewis Hall injured, the veteran defender was recalled at right-back and Tino Livramento was moved to the left.
Having struggled last season, Trippier was brilliant for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final and looks to have recaptured something approaching his best form.
Howe would no doubt love to have the 34-year-old’s vast level of experience out on the pitch for Sunday’s showdown.
Trippier has missed the last two games with a calf injury but could return for the Everton game, which would prove a major boost for the club.
On Friday, Howe said: “Kieran hasn’t trained with us yet but has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load. We will see on his availability.”
Potential return date: Sunday 25 May 2025 vs Everton
Joelinton
The news is less positive for Joelinton, however.
Joelinton suffered a knee injury in early May and has not played since, with Joe Willock stepping into midfield before Howe changed the system against Arsenal. While Howe has previously confirmed the Brazilian was desperate to be involved for the final few games of the campaign, it sadly just does not look possible.
The midfielder now looks set to return for pre-season instead. Hopefully, Newcastle can get over the line and be able to offer Joelinton the chance to play in the Champions League again next season.
Howe said: “Joelinton won’t be back, he has had another injection in his knee. He is making good progress, we envisage he will be back pre-season with no problems.”
Potential return date: Summer 2025
Lewis Hall
One of the worst blows Newcastle have suffered this season was when Hall suffered an ankle injury in March.
Having established himself as one of the club’s key players during the 2024/25 campaign following a difficult first season for the club, the fact the defender missed the Carabao Cup final was a bitter blow to take.
The England international underwent surgery after injuring his ankle during a Premier League game against Liverpool. Jason Tindall has confirmed Hall is doing “great” in his recovery from surgery, but pre-season remains the most likely time Newcastle fans will get to see him in action again.
“He’s doing great,” said Tindall in April. “I don’t think we will see him play again this season if we are being honest.
“But he’s recovering well and he is on the right road to recovery. We will certainly see him back again next season.”
Potential return date: Summer 2025
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