Eddie Howe still has plenty of players ruled out for Brentford but the picture could soon look much better
Newcastle United are hoping for some welcome positive injury news
Newcastle United are hoping for some welcome positive injury news
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Eddie Howe was able to offer a somewhat positive update on Newcastle United's injury situation this week, but they will still take on Brentford without some big names.
Much of the focus of his pre-match media briefing was on the fitness of captain Bruno Guimaraes and winger Anthony Gordon, with the latter forced off against Manchester City in midweek with a hamstring problem.
United are also hoping Lewis Miley could soon return to the squad after missing the the Carabao Cup exit and the defeat to Liverpool last weekend, especially with fellow midfielder Joelinton ruled out.
Howe has options up front to change things, but very little scope to do the same in the backline as he prepares for the visit of the Bees and Tuesday night's game at Tottenham.
Here's the latest injury situation and when United's wounded stars could return.
Bruno Guimaraes
Injury: Ankle
The Newcastle captain has now missed four games but could return this weekend after recovering from an ankle injury. United have not won in his absence.
What Howe has said: "Bruno's getting closer. He did a training session on Wednesday when we were travelling. He felt pretty good. So I'll see him today and fingers crossed he'll be fit."
Potential return date: Brentford (H)
Anthony Gordon
Injury: Hamstring
The England winger underwent a scan on Thursday after limping out of the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City with a hamstring problem. United are hoping it's not as serious as was first feared but he faces a short spell out.
What Howe has said: "No major update on Anthony. Every chance he'll miss this game coming up at the weekend but we hope it's not a serious injury and he'll be back pretty soon."
Potential return date: Aston Villa (A)
Lewis Miley
Injury: Knee
Miley has missed the last two games with a knee injury, leaving United short both in midfield and at full-back, where he has deputised superbly this season.
What Howe has said: "We'll find out today. I'm awaiting an update on him but again it's not a serious injury and we hope he'll be back very soon."
Potential return date: Brentford (H) or Tottenham (A)
Joelinton
Injury: Groin
The Brazilian will miss several weeks after picking up a groin injury against Aston Vila, with United missing his physical presence in the centre of midfield.
What Howe has said: "He flew to Barcelona after the game to get injection into his groin. It was good news. The specialist feels he only needs one. That means his return could be quite quick. We're looking at weeks, not months."
Potential return date: Late February
Tino Livramento
Injury: Hamstring
The England defender is on the comeback trail after a hamstring issue in early January.. He will probably miss the whole of February but should be back in early March.
What Howe has said: ""He's doing well. I believe he's having a second scan today to see the progress. Fingers crossed it's good news. If it is fingers crossed he'll be back running outside. I think we're still probably five to six weeks today. We're looking at an early March return providing everything goes well."
Potential return date: March
Fabian Schar
Injury: Ankle
Newcastle's Swiss defender will miss the majority of the rest of the season after damanging ankle ligaments against Leeds United last month - but will be able to return in late April.
What Howe has said: "He had a successful surgery yesterday which is great news. Everything went according to plan. It’s difficult to give a definitive but I think around three months out will be the diagnosis we’ll work towards. If it’s any quicker then great, but we need to give Fabian time to recover.”
Potential return date: Late April
Emil Krafth
Injury: Knee
The Swedish defender has still not returned to the squad after injurying his knee on international duty, with no recent update on a potential comeback.
What Howe has said: "He's a big miss for us. There's no major update. He's trying to come back from a knee problem. He's not feeling absolutely at his best currently. Day to day it feels slightly different, so I have no definitive return date."
Potential return date: Unknown
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