Despite a three-week break from Premier League action, Newcastle United still find themselves with a significant injury list. The Magpies are thought to be monitoring the fitness of several senior squad members ahead of Saturday's mid-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
Thankfully for Eddie Howe's side, just under two weeks still remain until their Boxing Day trip to Leicester City. Although, they will be forced to contend with a Carabao Cup tie against AFC Bournemouth in one week's time, with the former Cherries boss sure to be keen on achieving cup success in the North East.
With that in mind, here is a look at Newcastle's current full injury list, including quotes, and their recovery status.
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Alexander Isak
Newcastle's £60 million summer signing sustained a thigh injury whilst on international duty with Sweden in September and suffered a setback during the following month. Whilst confirming he will miss Saturday's friendly, it is hoped Isak will be fit enough to play a part in the visit to Leicester.
What Howe said (Dec 6): "There was an initial setback when he re-injured his thigh and, as a consequence of that, we just want to make sure we get him fully fit.
"He's doing well. This was the plan. We didn't expect him to train with the group when we first started training, so he's with the sports scientist team and physios.
"We are building him up in a controlled way and we expect him to be very close for Bournemouth or Leicester. We're not sure if he'll be fit or available for those games yet."
Potential return date: 26/12/2022
Fabian Schar
Another key player to endure fitness problems on international duty, Schar was substituted at half-time during Switzerland's 6-1 World Cup defeat to Portugal last week, with the Swiss already trailing 2-0. National team boss Murat Yakin provided an update on Schar post-match.
What Yakin said (Dec 7): "Unfortunately, [Silvan] Widmer had a cold. Same for Schar," the Swiss boss revealed at full-time. "He was out of breath at half-time. [Nico] Elvedi also had a fever. He was not fully ready. Schar wasn’t himself either.
"We must accept this defeat and congratulate Portugal. They were the best team this evening. They surprised us. We lost a game today but that doesn’t mean we have to be too pessimistic and criticise everything.
Potential return date: Unknown
Chris Wood
Having emerged from the World Cup with no injury concerns, Newcastle fans will be thankful for Callum Wilson's return to St James' Park after Wood suffered a back injury in the 5-0 friendly win over Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal. The latter was substituted before half-time in Riyadh but is not thought to have sustained serious damage.
What Howe said (Dec 8): "I think Chris has just got a back problem. I don’t think it’s too bad."
Potential return date: 17/12/2022
Joelinton
As one of Newcastle's most important players under Howe, the potential loss of Joelinton to injury would be damaging to the Magpies. Like Wood, he was substituted during the friendly against Al Hilal after feeling his hamstring. Severity of the issue is currently unknown.
What Howe said (Dec 8): "Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers crossed, they’re not too bad."
Potential return date: 21/12/2022
Karl Darlow
Darlow missed the Al Hilal encounter completely due to illness, allowing Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie to earn game-time. Any concerns are not thought to be significant
Potential return date: 17/12/2022
Matt Targett
Illness also prevented Targett from featuring against Al Hilal. Jamal Lewis played 79 minutes in his absence before being replaced by Alex Murphy.
Potential return date: 17/12/2022
Matt Ritchie
Ritchie was close to returning from a calf injury he suffered during training in September prior to the World Cup break but narrowly missed out. Therefore, it is expected he will be fit for the Premier League's recommencement.
What Howe said (Oct 14): "Matt picked up a calf problem. We don't know whether he'll be back before the World Cup, but he's doing well."
Potential return date: 17/12/2022
Emil Krafth
Krafth is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Tranmere in August. He did, however, form part of the travelling party to Saudi Arabia in spite of the, potentially, season-ending blow.
What Howe said (Aug 30): "It's an ACL injury. He's not been operated on yet, so it's difficult to give a firm date, but it's going to be six to nine months. A long time out, which is a huge blow to us."
Potential return date: Unknown
Paul Dummett
Dummett's involvement this season has been seriously hampered by injury. His only appearance came in August and the defender recently suffered a calf injury but is now considered close to full fitness.
What Howe said (Oct 21): “Paul Dummett picked up a calf problem, so he’s working his way back to fitness.”
Potential return date: 17/12/2022
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