Eddie Howe has a number of injury problems to contend with ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Everton. The Magpies face Frank Lampard’s side on Thursday evening and there are several question marks over which players will be available.
The team that started the game against Chelsea on Sunday highlighted the list of absentees, especially in midfield where Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron started for the first times since January and December respectively. Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey were unavailable for selection and it remains to be seen whether they will be picked by Howe for the trip to Goodison Park.
There are also a few other Newcastle players suffering longer term injuries and we have taken a look at when each of the injured players are likely to be back.
Joe Willock - Illness
After starting seven games in a row, Joe Willock was not in the squad at Chelsea as he had an illness. He looks to have overcome that issue and will be back in contention to be selected from the start on Merseyside.
What Howe said (16/03/22): "Joe should be OK. He had an illness but returned to training yesterday."
Potential return date: 17/03/22
Joelinton - Groin
Following his total transformation into one of the Magpies’ most influential players, Joelinton has missed both of Newcastle’s last two games. He is on the mend but whether he will be risked against Everton remains to be seen.
What Howe said (16/03/22): "He is touch and go for this game. Whether we look after him with the break we have afterwards or whether we push him back out there. We'll have to make a late call on that one."
Potential return date: 17/03/22
Jonjo Shelvey - Illness
Like the two aforementioned midfielders, Jonjo Shelvey has been mightily impressive in his side’s strong run of form in the last couple of months. He also missed the Chelsea defeat with an illness and looks unlikely to be involved at Goodison Park.
What Howe said (16/03/22): "With Jonjo, we're waiting to see. He hasn't trained yet so he's a bigger concern."
Potential return date: 03/04/22
Federico Fernandez - Oblique
Since Howe’s arrival, Federico Fernandez has struggled for fitness with a couple of different injuries that have kept him out of contention. However, he is now nearing a return to action with the first game after the international break likely to be the target.
What Howe said (16/03/22): “Fede Fernandez will hopefully train today after he has had quite a lay off."
Potential return date: 03/04/22
Isaac Hayden - Knee
Another midfield who has been missing for Newcastle is Isaac Hayden who had found a decent run of form prior to his knee injury at the back end of 2021.
He had surgery on the issue and is still facing at least a few weeks on the sidelines, it’s unclear when he will be back in the squad.
What Howe said (07/01/22): "He has played with a long-standing knee problem, but it came to the point where the pain was getting too much. [We] anticipate he'll be out for around ten weeks."
Potential return date: Unknown
Kieran Trippier - Foot
Kieran Trippier’s influence in the first few games of his Newcastle career cannot be understated as he was the key component of the team at the start of the great run of results. Howe still remains hopeful that the England right-back will be back before the end of the season.
What Howe said (18/02/22): "He had his operation yesterday and that went well so that was good news. We aim to have him back before the end of the season but it's a significant injury which is a big blow for us."
Potential return date: Unknown
Callum Wilson - Calf
Injuries have been the story of Callum Wilson’s career so far as he has rarely been afforded the time to put together a consecutive run of games. His progress has been slow but, like Trippier, he is expected to be back in the side before the end of the campaign.
What Howe said (07/02/22): "[He] won't be short term, and hopefully [back] for last few games of the season."
Potential return date: Unknown
Jamal Lewis - Groin
Finally, Jamal Lewis is also anticipating an extended spell on the sidelines with a groin issue. He has been to see a specialist about the problem but whether he will be back before the end of the season remains to be seen.
What Howe said (09/03/22): "He's in Germany getting assessed and looked at by a groin specialist. He's had this problem now for over a year and we haven't quite fixed it for him. He might well be operated on in the next few days."
Potential return date: Unknown
