Newcastle United begin their Premier League campaign away at Aston Villa on Saturday and have been handed some good luck on the injury front.
Indeed, there was a concern for Newcastle United during their final pre-season game of a largely miserable summer when Anthony Gordon came off injured against Atletico Madrid.
Gordon looks set to start the Premier League season as Newcastle’s striker amid the ongoing impasse regarding Alexander Isak’s future at the club.
Both Gordon and Sven Botman picked up knocks during pre-season, along with midfielder Joe Willock.
With that in mind, here’s all you need to know about the latest Newcastle United injury news.
Anthony Gordon
Eddie Howe confirmed Gordon had twisted his ankle against Atletico, which is a better outcome than many would have feared when he first went down.
The Newcastle United manager said: “We initially thought it was a muscle. The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.”
After the game, the forward posted a message on his Instagram stories page reading: “Just twisted my ankle, no problems. Glad to be back home. Business time next.”
On Friday, Howe revealed that Gordon would play against Villa.
Not playing in his favoured position clearly isn’t ideal, but Newcastle are a better side with him in the team.
Potential return date: Saturday 16 August 2025 vs Aston Villa
Alexander Isak
Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with a minor thigh injury, although later undertook a private fitness regime in Spain.
While the Sweden striker isn’t expected to play against Aston Villa as he looks to move away from the club, he is indeed free of the injury.
Last weekend, Howe confirmed: “He’s fit, he doesn’t have a fitness issue.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Sven Botman
Botman suffered a groin injury in pre-season, which was a worry for everyone connected with Newcastle United.
Indeed, the Dutchman has struggled with injuries for much of the past two seasons and the idea of heading into a huge campaign without him was a blow.
Still, Botman returned against Atletico Madrid and while he did only last the first half at St James’ Park, Howe confirmed it was a pre-planned move to keep him ready for the new season.
“That was the pre-game plan for him,” he said.
“I thought he came through it well. He’s such a big player. We need to keep him fit, so we’re just managing his games.”
Botman, like Gordon, is fit for the Villa game.
Potential return date: Saturday 16 August 2025 vs Aston Villa
Joe Willock
Midfielder Willock is Newcastle’s main injury concern heading into the season opener.
Willock suffered an injury against Team K-League during pre-season. Though the 25-year-old has avoided a serious injury, he’s expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season.
Newcastle’s midfield is light without Willock fit, with only four fit central midfielders currently available for a team who generally operate with three in the middle of the park.
On Friday, Howe revealed that Willock was making good progress on his return from injury.
“Everyone is available apart from Joe, and he’s not too far away himself,” he said.
Potential return date: Unknown
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