Isak, Willock & Schar: Newcastle United injury news latest and return dates ahead Arsenal clash

Newcastle United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches this weekend, but will face a considerable obstacle in their path in the form of title contenders Arsenal. Eddie Howe's men have won two and drawn two of their past four top flight outings, and could move up to seventh with a victory in North London.

The Magpies travel to the capital at a foreboding time, however. The Gunners are on a winning streak of five games in the Premier League, and have scored five or more in three of those fixtures. They did slip up against FC Porto in the Champions League in midweek though, and will have to overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg of their Portuguese double header if they are to reach the last eight of the competition.

But before that, they will host Newcastle on Saturday evening, and the Magpies will arrive at the Emirates without a number of recognisable first team names at their disposal. With that in mind, we've taken a look at their current injury list, and any expected return dates where available, below...

Callum Wilson

Wilson could be out for three months after suffering a pectoral injury that required surgery during the recent win over Nottingham Forest. Speaking about the complaint, Eddie Howe said: 'It's a really strange injury, a tussle right at the end of the game. Initially, we thought it was his shoulder, but it is his pectoral muscle. He went to see a specialist, and he is having it operated on as we speak.'

With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025 and an exit already touted on numerous occasions, the 31-year-old may have played his final game for Newcastle, while his Euro 2024 hopes now hang by a thread.

Sandro Tonali

The Italian midfielder is still serving a ban for gambling-related offences, and will not be available for selection until August.

Joelinton

Joelinton is sidelined after picking up an injury during last month's Tyne-Wear derby win over Sunderland. An official club statement said: 'Newcastle confirms Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month. The midfielder will now commence a period of rehab and is expected to return to action in May.'

Nick Pope

Newcastle's number one is currently consigned to the treatment room after suffering a dislocated shoulder during a 1-0 win over Manchester United in December. He is expected to be back by late March at the very earliest.

Elliot Anderson

The Toon academy graduate was expected to have a big season this year, but his progress has been heavily disrupted by a lower back injury. Anderson should be back some time next month.

Matt Targett

Targett is another guaranteed absence for the trip to Arsenal, and, like Anderson, is expected to be back in action around mid-March or so.

Fabian Schar

There is better news regarding Schar, however, with the Swiss defender expected to overcome a relatively minor wrist injury in time to feature for Howe's side in the capital.

Joe Willock

A former Arsenal player, of course, Willock should make his return from injury in some capacity this weekend, much to the delight of his manager. Howe said: 'Joe is very close, too; he is knocking on the door - looking good and feeling much better. He is another huge player for us that we are desperate to get back.'

Alexander Isak

And finally, Newcastle should also be boosted by the return of Swedish striker Isak who, following Wilson's injury, is their only recognised senior centre-forward. Speaking last week about the hitman, Howe said: 'He is very close and looking really good. I am really pleased with his progress.'