Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have several injury concerns going into Wednesday's League Cup clash at St James' Park with a quarter-final spot at stake for the winner
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe claps the fans following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham at St James' Park on October 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Eddie Howe has several injury concerns in his Newcastle squad(Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
View Image
Newcastle United are bracing themselves for a pivotal week in their season, with three crucial matches lined up within seven days that could significantly shape their campaign.
Eddie Howe's side face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at home, as they aim to retain the trophy and secure a spot in the quarter-finals. This is followed by a Premier League trip to a struggling West Ham side, a match Newcastle will see as a must-win if they hope to revive their top-five ambitions after a shaky start to their league campaign.
The week concludes with a return to St James' Park, where they'll face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, presenting a golden chance to edge closer to securing at least a play-off stage berth.
With injuries to deal with, Howe must decide how best to juggle his side over the next week, with rotation on the cards in key positions. Below are all the injuries both teams have going into Wednesday's game.
Yoane Wissa
Injury: Knee
Newcastle are yet to see their £55m summer signing after he injured his knee in action for DR Congo shortly after completing a deal to join United. His recovery had a small setback, but he is expected to feature in the coming weeks, although Howe has sounded a note of caution over his participation.
What Howe has said: "If you look at Yoane's situation, he will need almost a pre-season. Pre-season schedules that we give to players will be six weeks. And we do that for a reason, so we can build them up and they can play in various games, and then they're ready to perform. So I'm not saying he won't play for six weeks. But I think to get to his very best level, it will probably take that time."
Expected return: West Ham (A), November 2
Lewis Hall
Injury: Hamstring
The former Chelsea youngster has had an unlucky spell with injuries in 2025 but is close to a return. United were cautious with him after he recovered from a long-term problem over the summer, but he picked up a hamstring injury against Union Saint-Gilloise. However, Howe is hopeful he will be back in action soon – potentially against West Ham next weekend.
What Howe has said: "Lewis is doing really well. He’s been on the grass for a while and is pushing himself. He’s done back-to-back sessions now. He’ll hopefully not be too far away now."
Expected return: West Ham (A), November 2
Tino Livramento
Injury: Knee
The England defender fell awkwardly on his knee following an aerial challenge with Arsenal's William Saliba and has been sidelined since September. He was given an eight-week recovery diagnosis, which means he may have to wait until after the November international break.
What Howe has said: "Tino is on the grass for the first time today, and he’s making really good progress, so we’re really happy with him."
Expected return: Man City (H), November 22
Sven Botman
Injury: Head
Botman was forced off after picking up a head injury during Fulham's equaliser on Saturday. United appealed for a foul, but the collision did look accidental in the replays. However, the Dutchman has not picked up a concussion, and while he may sit out the midweek cup game, he should be fine to return immediately.
What Howe has said: "I think he's OK. There's no concussion, it was a cut, but a very good recommendation from the on-field physio to take him off."
Expected return: West Ham (A), November 2
Harrison Ashby
Injury: Thigh
With Livramento and Hall already out, many thought it was an opportunity for youngster Ashby to make his first-team debut after several loan spells. He featured heavily in pre-season, but Howe revealed recently that the former West Ham full-back was recovering from a thigh problem.
What Howe has said: "Unfortunately, at the moment Harrison is injured, and he has been injured for a period of time with a thigh injury, so we are waiting for him to be fit again."
Expected return: Unknown
Tottenham
Cristian Romero
Injury: Groin/Hip/Pelvic Injury
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is likely to be out until the weekend.
What Frank has said: “Cuti was just out running on the grass with the performance guys. So, positive, progressing, but no time frame. I don't expect it to be a longer one.”
Expected return: Unknown
Destiny Udogie
Injury: Knee
Defender Udogie is out for a week or so.
What Frank has said: “Destiny is not on the grass yet, but still progressing, again, not a longer one.”
Expected return: Unknown
Dejan Kulusevski
Injury: Knee
Kulusevsk is going to remain out until late November.
What Frank has said: “He's a key, key player for us. Instead of putting an exact month on [his return]. I just want him back as quick as possible.
"I know the medical team and Dejan are working very hard on that... It's not tomorrow, hopefully not too far away.”
Expected return: Fulham (H), November 29
Dominic Solanke
Injury: Ankle
Frank is positive on the striker's fitness but he's unlikely to return this weekend.
What Frank has said: “Dom, positive, he's taking steps in the right direction and was on the grass on his own today. So, he's progressing forward.”
Expected return: Unknown
Ben Davies
Injury: Thigh
Davies picked up a muscular injury during the international window and will remain out here, and for a few weeks.
Expected return: Unknown
Radu Dragusin
Injury: Knee
Dragusin has not played since he suffered an ACL injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League in January.
What Frank has said: “He's progressing well. He's been on the grass for three weeks and is progressing as well as it should. We all know coming back from an ACL is a long one - he's on track - but it will be a few weeks before he's able to be involved.”
Expected return: Unknown
Yves Bissouma
Injury: Ankle
Bissouma is out for a few weeks with an ankle injury he picked up on international duty.
What Frank has said: “Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team, I think everyone saw that, so he got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.”
Expected return: Unknown
Kota Takai
Takai is expected to return within the next couple of weeks from a troubling ankle issue. He will need to build up his fitness.
Jame Maddison
Maddison ruptured his ACL during a pre-season clash and will miss much of the season.
How to follow our NUFC WhatsApp channel
Did you know you can now get Newcastle United stories on WhatsApp? As well as our NUFC communities, we also have a channel dedicated to sending you the best news, opinion and analysis on all things black-and-white.
All you have to do is follow our channel on WhatsApp by clicking this link or you can find us by searching Chronicle Newcastle United.
Updates will then automatically appear if you select the Updates option on your WhatsApp menu and selecting the 'Chronicle - Newcastle United' channel. It's as easy as that. There are already thousands signed up, but remember to turn your notifications on so don't miss out.