Eddie Howe has several issues to address ahead of the Premier League opener at Villa Park
Sven Botman of Newcastle United
Sven Botman played 45 minutes for Newcastle United against Atletico Madrid
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
There is now less that a week until Newcastle United's 2025-26 campaign gets under way at Villa Park, with Eddie Howe hopeful of having some new recruits in his squad for the Premier League opener.
However, he has some injury concerns to deal with this week as he assesses the group ahead of what will be a long and demanding campaign.
Pre-season has seen several injury scares for the United head coach, although there have been some positive returns as the players prepared for the coming challenge.
Of course there is still the small matter of Alexander Isak's absence to address, with Howe desperate for reinforcements. Here's how things look as we count down to the big Premier League kick-off.
Joe Willock
Injury: Calf
The midfielder has suffered a torrid time with injuries, and his latest knock came just after Sean Longstaff left for Leeds. It means United are down to the bare bones in central midfield, but the former Arsenal star could soon be back in action.
What Howe said: "Fingers crossed he's recovering well, he's been to see a specialist and the news is pretty good, so a few more weeks and I think Joe will be back."
Potential return date: Early September
Anthony Gordon
Injury: Ankle
An audible gasp was heard at St James' Park on Saturday when Anthony Gordon pulled up sharply in the latter stages of the friendly with Atletico Madrid. After treatment, the England forward was able to walk off the field unaided, with Howe revealing it was an ankle problem.
What Howe said: “We hope he’s OK. It’s an ankle problem. We initially thought it was a muscle. The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.”
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Sven Botman
Injury: Groin
The Dutch defender is desperate for an injury-free run after seeing last term wrecked by knee issues. After ACL surgery, Botman then had niggles in his other knee - and then picked up a groin issue against Arsenal in Singapore. However, he played the first 45 minutes against Atlietico and should be in contention for a first-team place.
What Howe said: "That was the pre-game plan for him. I thought he came through it well. He's such a big player. We need to keep him fit, so we're just managing his games."
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Lewis Hall
Injury: Foot
The left-back made a welcome start against Espanyol on Friday night and, like Botman, played a scheduled 45 minutes. He may not be risked against Villa next weekend but is on the road to a full recovery very soon.
What Howe said: "It was a small step in progression for Lewis having played 20 minutes of our previous game and 45 today. We have to be very mindful that we want to keep him fit and to do that we have to build him up slowly with the type of injury he has had."
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Alexander Isak
Absence: Not training with the squad
Howe confirmed the wantaway Swede is now free from injury but is still training separately from the squad and will not be considered for selection aganst Aston Villa. His desire to leave the club has meant he is not currently part of the group and the situation has not changed in recent days.
What Howe said: "We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."
"I'd want Alex to be playing today. I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."
Potential return date: Unknown
KICK OFF - Newcastle United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.