Newcastle United’s injury situation is set to ease in the coming weeks.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is hopeful of getting “three or four players” back from injury in the next couple of weeks.
The Magpies welcomed back Tino Livramento for the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon. The 21-year-old was introduced as a 78th minute substitute following two weeks out.
And with a 10-day break between the Tottenham victory and next Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, Howe hopes his absentee list will reduce to single digits.
Speaking before the Tottenham fixture, Howe said: “Other players are sort of in the background and beginning to improve quite quickly so I’m hopeful that in the not too distant future we can get three or four players back.”
Two players who appear closest to returning are England internationals Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson. Trippier has missed the last six weeks with a calf issue while Wilson has been sidelined since mid-February after undergoing surgery on a pectoral muscle injury.
“Kieran’s doing well, he’d be one of the players in the background that’s starting to feel really good,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “He’s still not on the training pitch with us, but it’s positive signs and a positive outlook for him. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
Howe revealed at the beginning of the month Wilson was “looking good” and “doing the hard yards”. On Wednesday, the 32-year-old returned to full training, as captured by the Sky Sports News cameras.
While Alexander Isak has just hit 21 goals for the campaign, having Wilson available again is a big boost as it gives Howe the option to rotate the pair in game. Although Wilson’s injury record has been well documented, Isak has also been managing a groin issue.
Beyond that, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton have been in individual training recently.
Almiron was ruled out for a month after sustaining a knee injury versus West Ham United on March 30. Joelinton has been out since January with a thigh injury, and while he’s expected to return before the season is over, Howe won’t rush the Brazilian.
The United head coach said: “I think Joe will tell you yes [he’ll play again this season] but we need to make sure he is ready to play, we can’t rush the process. He has to be feeling good and we have to minimise risk.”
Nick Pope (shoulder) too is pushing for a return in the coming weeks. Jaamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Joe Willock’s seasons are over, and the same could apply to Lewis Miley (back) and Matt Targett (Achiiles)
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