Newcastle United remain beset by a series of defensive injuries heading into their final game of 2025.
It has been a remarkable year for Newcastle United, but one that threatens to end on a sour note after yet more thrown-away leads and poor away performances.
Still, such is the relentless nature of the fixture schedule, the end of one year is simply the beginning of the next for Eddie Howe.
Is Eddie Howe running out of steam at Newcastle United, or can he turn it around?
Would be interested to know if you think he’ll still be the manager by the end of the season, too…
After Tuesday’s trip to Burnley wraps up 2025, attention soon turns to Newcastle’s 2026 schedule.
That brings games against Crystal Palace and Leeds within the first week before cup duties return against Bournemouth and Manchester City respectively.
With that in mind, Howe could do with as many players fit as possible. Here’s a look at the latest Newcastle United injury news and return dates.
Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento has missed Newcastle’s last two games due to a knee injury sustained during the Carabao Cup win over Fulham earlier this month.
The sight of Livramento coming off against the Cottagers sparked major concern, with it briefly looking like a serious ailment.
Luckily, Howe is hopeful it’s not a serious problem, but Livramento isn’t expected to return before 2026.
The Newcastle United manager said: “We’re hoping it’s not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly. But before confirming that, we want to be sure that we’re right. We haven’t got clarity on that but hopefully it’s good news.”
Potential return date: Early 2026
Guess the three missing players from the XI that secured Alan Shearer’s only win as Newcastle’s interim manager
Bonus points if you can name the game too! 😂
Dan Burn
Newcastle could certainly do with Dan Burn’s leadership right now but, sadly, the defender was forced off with injuries to his rib and lung during the dismal defeat to Sunderland.
Howe has claimed that Burn could face “four to six weeks” out of action, which would put him on course for a return in either mid-January or early February.
Potential return date: January/February 2026
Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga has struggled to convince at Newcastle but does provide depth in an attacking line often desperately lacking it.
It was a blow, then, that Elanga missed Newcastle’s loss to Manchester United with an unspecified injury.
Following the loss at Old Trafford, Howe said: “He just took a knock against Chelsea.
“We don’t think it’s too serious, we hope to have him back pretty quickly.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Sven Botman
It’s been another season derailed by injuries for Sven Botman.
The Dutchman is currently out with a back issue, one that has ruled him out of the last seven games.
Prior to the defeat in Manchester, Howe confirmed that Botman could return to action for Newcastle soon.
“Sven would be in the category of the group of players who are doing well,” he said.
“We hope to get him back pretty soon. When that day is I’m not 100% sure. He hasn’t trained with the group yet, but potentially good news.
“I don’t think he’s too far away.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier is another leader in the Newcastle United squad who they are not able to call upon.
Trippier has a hamstring injury and Howe has previously suggested he will return “around the New Year.”
Potential return date: January 2026
Emil Krafth
Emil Krafth is the third Newcastle right-back who is currently injured.
Like Trippier, Howe believes the Swede could return from his knee issue in the New Year.
Potential return date: January 2026
William Osula
William Osula may well have played his last game for Newcastle.
Currently out of action with an ankle problem that has stopped his involvement since November, Osula has been linked with a move away from Newcastle.
Earlier this month, Howe said of the striker: “We need to have further discussions internally to see quite what’s happening with his ankle, because it’s not going in a straight line. We’re not quite happy with how he’s feeling, so I’ll try and give you some feedback when we get it.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Jamaal Lascelles
Jamaal Lascelles hasn’t played since the loss at home to Arsenal in September.
Though the stalwart has never been a regular starter under Howe when everyone is fit, he would be a useful option to have around given the spate of defensive injuries.
Lascelles did return to training recently but, when asked about the defender before the draw with Chelsea, Howe said: “Jamaal is not feeling great in his body at the moment so I don’t think that is an option for us.”
Potential return date: Unknown
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