Eddie Howe has confirmed that although he has a near full squad to pick from ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham on Sunday afternoon, there are still some tough decisions to be made regarding Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Joelinton before kick-off.
Howe named the same side that drew 0-0 against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for Newcastle's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Leicester City. After ringing the changes in the FA Cup, the Toon Army will be delighted to have seen such a dominating performance from their side over the Foxes.
Fulham are next opposition to make the trip to St James' Park and Marco Silva's side have demonstrated they are no pushovers following their promotion to the top-flight this season. The Cottagers currently sit sixth in the Premier League and will be looking for revenge following their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle when the two teams last met back in October.
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Below is the latest injury news and expected return dates for the Newcastle squad ahead of the game against Fulham.
Joelinton
Howe has confirmed that he will wait before making a selection decision on Joelinton against Fulham. The Brazilian was hit with a drink driving charge on Thursday morning and face a magistrates court appearance at the end of the month.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "I'm going to have to reflect and analyse on that. I'll make a decision closer to the game, in consultation with him. I'm not 100 per cent sure."
Callum Wilson
Wilson started against Arsenal and Leicester, but following his return from illness, Howe has admitted that he needs to be careful with the number of minutes his forward is getting this season.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "In the game the other day [against Leicester], I decided to replace Callum - we're nursing him back from a bad illness - and I thought Callum did well."
Alexander Isak
Isak came on as a late substitute against the Foxes and will be keen for a starting XI spot. However, Howe knows that he does not want to cause further damage by rushing their new signing back to action too quickly.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "He's responded very well physically - there've been no ill effects. He's trained well this week off the back of that cameo [against Leicester]. I think we have to be very careful with him, just with the length of time he'd been out and the type of injury that he had.
"He's done all the work, he's looked in good condition, he's looked confident and he's very keen to be involved. But I think we need him for the long term, and it's great to have a very strong choice in the centre forward unit at the moment."
Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey
Targett has been suffering with a 'heel problem' and has been out of action since the start of the year. Shelvey meanwhile picked up a calf injury during the festive period and it looks to still be some time before the pair return to action.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey continue their journies back - I think they've both respectively been doing well, but they're still some time away."
Potential return date: Unknown
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff has returned to the club following his loan spell at Colchester United and undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matty Longstaff's just had his operation on his ACL, so we wish him well."
Potential return date: Unknown
Emil Krafth
Krafth is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Tranmere in August.
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
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