Joe Willock of Newcastle United
Joe Willock of Newcastle United (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The next nine days could be massive for Newcastle United's ambitions this season. We're still far too early in the season to definitely rule anything in or out, but poor results against Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League will raise huge questions in and around St James' Park.
One thing that will be decided is United's progress in the Carabao Cup, with United just 90 minutes away from a two-legged semi-final in this season's competition. Brentford, imperious at home but poor on the road, stand in their way at St James' next Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe knows he will need a strong squad to negotiate three games in eight days, kicking off at home against the Foxes this weekend and ending as United complete their pre-Christmas schedule at Portman Road a week on Saturday, but will have to do without several key players due to injury. The Magpies has largely avoided the catastrophic problems which dogged last season, but Howe has still had to manage with plenty of issues so far this term.
The most pressing issue is up front, where No 9 Callum Wilson has been ruled out for around two months with a hamstring injury. It's a big blow for the United frontman who has only just returned to the squad after missing the majority of the season to date, and led him to issue a statement on social media.
"Despite all the hard work I've put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys," Wilson wrote. "Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else."
Joe Willock missed the 4-2 defeat at Brentford with a hamstring problem, and it remains to be seen how much involvement we can expect from the former Arsenal midfielder in the coming week. Willock suffered a nightmare spell with injuries last term, but looked to have put that behind him with a consistent run of appearances this season.
Howe seemed to be optimistic his current issue would not keep him on the sidelines for too long however, and said last weekend: “I don’t think it’s serious. He’s had a hamstring problem, a very minor one."
That suggests Willock could return to play a part either against Leicester, Brentford or Ipswich, with Howe aware he may need to rotate his midfield unit over the course of the week.
One player player who won't feature is Sven Botman, with the Dutch defender still not ready for first-team action. United had pencilled in the end of December for a potential return after ACL surgery last spring, and while Botman is on course for a recovery on the expected timescale, it could be the new year before we see him in Newcastle colours again.
Similarly, Jamaal Lascelles will not be rushed back after undergoing similar surgery to Botman, but the United club captain is still on course for a return in the coming weeks. Emil Krafth won't play until 2025 after breaking his collarbone last month - the Swedish defender was ruled out for six weeks, meaning a late January return.