Newcastle United have been hit with several injury issues in the opening month of the season.
The Magpies have made a decent start to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign with seven points from their opening six games – winning one, drawing four and losing one.
But they have been without several key players in recent weeks due to injury.
Following the goalless draw with Crystal Palace, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was asked whether his side would have won the game with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilsonn in the side.
“Hypothetical, but yeah, we’ve got a higher chance of winning the game, because they’re top-quality players,” Howe responded. “You take those three players out of any team, the team will suffer.
“That’s why they’re so important to us. In a game like today, you’re at home and looking for that moment of magic and brilliance to win us the game. I thought the moments were there, it was just the finish that was missing. It just wasn’t going to go in.”
Fortunately, the three injuries are understood to be short-term with Howe hoping to welcome the players back soon.
Here is Newcastle’s current injury list and potential return dates.
Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian midfielder has missed Newcastle’s last three Premier League matches after picking up a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.
Magpies have only managed to pick up two points in their last three matches in EPL (Photo: Getty Images)
He is close to returning to first-team action and has been called-up to the Brazil squad to face Ghana during the international break later this month, suggesting he is nearing full fitness.
Brazil’s squad for Ghana and Tunisia friendlies.
Return date – AFC Bournemouth (H), 17/09.
Allan Saint-Maximin – hamstring.
The French winger suffered a slight hamstring issue following his stunning late equaliser at Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
He has since missed Newcastle’s last two Premier League matches and has spent time in Monaco to work on his rehab.
Howe revealed that Saint-Maximin was ‘close’ to returning for Newcastle, stating: “There is no muscle pull with Allan, it’s more just a bit of swelling. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long.”
Potential return date – AFC Bournemouth (H), 17/09.
Callum Wilson – hamstring.
Wilson picked up a hamstring injury during Newcastle’s 3-3 draw at home to Manchester City last month.
Although the injury isn’t thought to be serious, it’s a frustrating start to the season for the striker who missed half of last season due to injury.
The 30-year-old has two goals in three appearances for Newcastle so far this season but hasn’t trained with the first team recently due to his hamstring issue.
Speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson said: “Yeah, I had a little setback [which is] disappointing, because I started the season well – I felt like I’d found my form and rhythm.
“It’s only a couple of weeks, but it’s just a couple of weeks that I ain’t got to lose. Especially last year, having the Achilles issue, and now the little tweak in my hamstring.”
Howe claims Wilson is ‘slightly behind’ Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin in his recovery. (Photo: Getty Images)
Potential return date – Fulham (A), 01/10.
Jonjo Shelvey – hamstring.
The midfielder suffered a serious hamstring injury during the 3-2 defeat at Benfica during pre-season, facing a number of months on the sidelines.
Shelvey needs to play just three more first team matches for Newcastle in order to trigger a one-year contract extension, with his current deal set to expire next summer.
“He’s doing well, pleased with his progress,” Howe said. “Jonjo’s absolutely determined to come back as quickly as possible, which is great for us.
“So he’s pushing himself within the safe boundaries we’ve given him. But yeah, he’s naturally very keen to return. Football’s Jonjo’s life. Training is his life.”
Last week How added: “Bruno, Callum, Maxi, Jonjo, they’re massive players for us, and we’d love to get a couple back soon.”
Potential return date – Chelsea (H), 12 November.
Karl Darlow – ankle.
This week, it was revealed that goalkeeper Karl Darlow suffered an ankle ligament injury in training, forcing Newcastle to make a move for free agent goalkeeper Loris Karius as a short-term replacement.
Howe hasn’t spoken to the media since the news of Darlow’s injury but commented ahead of fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s loan departure last month: “I certainly back Karl Darlow. I have no issue with Karl or Martin, they are two very good goalkeepers. Karl did very well against Tranmere recently and showed his experience and value to the squad.”
Potential return date – Arsenal (A), 2nd January.
Emil Krafth – ACL
The Swedish right-back is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could potentially be out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Tranmere.
Last month, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: “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 – TBC (March 2023 – pre-season)