Botman, Lascelles, Krafth: Newcastle United latest injury news update and possible return dates

There was major disappointment for everyone involved with Newcastle United when their recent upturn in form was brought to an end by West Ham United on Monday night.

After claiming a Carabao Cup win against Chelsea and back-to-back Premier League victories against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe’s side marked their return to action after the international break with a desperately poor display against a Hammers side that had been struggling for form and confidence.

A first-half header from Tomas Soucek and a second-half strike from Aaron Wan-Bissaka was enough to give Julen Lopetegui’s side all three points on Tyneside and left Howe and his players to turn their focus towards what they will hope will be an improved display at Crystal Palace next weekend.

There will be one key figure back in the Magpies squad for the visit to Selhurst Park after defender Dan Burn completed a one-match ban against West Ham after accumulating five yellow cards in the Premier League this season. There was further good news for Howe when experienced duo Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn returned to action on Monday when they came off the bench during the second-half of Monday night’s defeat. However, there are still some key players sat on the sidelines - but when could Howe welcome them back into contention?

Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles has been making solid progress during his recovery from a serious knee injury he suffered during the second half of last season. The Magpies club captain has not featured since suffering the injury in the dramatic 4-3 home win against West Ham in March - but there is an expectation he could return to action in late January or early February.

Speaking last month, he said: “I should be back on the grass soon and jogging in the next few weeks. It'll take me a while to build up from there, but I'm happy to be ticking those boxes, and now it's about getting my boots back on and progressing slowly that way.” Expected return date: Late January/Early February 2025.

Sven Botman

The Dutch centre-back is believed to be entering the final stages of his return from a similar injury to the one suffered by Lascelles. Botman’s last appearance also came in March after starting a 3-2 defeat against Chelsea but he has made a return to training and there are hopes he could be back in contention by the festive period.

Speaking recently to the club website, he said: "I'm doing very well and I'm getting close now," he said. "Friday was my first day back training with the team and the first steps back to normal life which was a good feeling. It was quite relaxed, with the session being two days before a game but if you're out for so long, it's already a big thing just to be around the squad. I feel like everything is new but it was really nice to be around the squad, with everybody being very supportive. After the first training session, my first thought afterwards was wanting to do more but it was a good first step.” Expected return date: Late December.

Emil Krafth

The Swedish international has provided admirable backup to Howe’s first-choice defenders in recent seasons and his versatility has been a useful tool for the Magpies boss. However, Krafth will be out of action until the new year after he underwent an operation on a shoulder injury. Speaking last week, Howe said: “Emil has had an operation. We anticipate he’s going to be out for six to eight weeks. It’s a big blow to us to lose Emil, who has been such a consistent performer.” Expected return date: Early January 2025