Joelinton, Pope, Gordon and Trippier: Newcastle United latest injury update ahead of Man City clash

Newcastle United's season has been dominated by a consistent struggle with a seemingly never-ending list of injuries.

That is not to suggest that what many believe has been an underwhelming campaign has been solely a result of missing key players - but there can be little doubt the absentees have hampered Eddie Howe's bid to build on what was a remarkable season last time out. Despite Monday night's defeat at Chelsea, the Magpies remain in the hunt for a European place and still have a chance of ending the club's long wait for domestic silverware.

However, with a tough looking FA Cup quarter-final tie at Manchester City lying in wait this weekend, Howe and his players will have to go above and beyond if they are to help Newcastle into the semi-final of the competition for the first time since 2005. Once again, Howe's cause is not helped by a lengthy list of absentees - but when could some Magpies stars return to action and what is the latest on their current injuries?

Callum Wilson - Chest injury

Wilson suffered a bizarre injury in the closing stages of a narrow win at Nottingham Forest last month as a season of frustration continued for the England striker. The former Bournemouth and Coventry City frontman is unlikely to return until the final fortnight of the campaign with the home game with Burnley on the second weekend of May believed to be a realistic target. Expected return date: 11/5/24 - Brighton (H)

Joelinton - Thigh injury

The Brazil international has been another significant miss for Howe as his side have struggled to reach the levels of intensity shown in their midfield last season. Joelinton's physical presence and his willingness to press have played a major role in the drop in standards, performances and results. It seems highly unlikely the former Hoffenheim star will return before the final weeks of the season as he continues hid rehabilitation from a thigh injury. Expected return date: 11/5/24 - Brighton (H)

Nick Pope - Shoulder injury

Pope's absence has been felt by the Magpies as his replacement Martin Dubravka has struggled to live up to the lofty standards set by the England international. A statistical analysis of the performance of each Magpies keeper was conducted by Sky Sports in the aftermath of Monday's defeat against Chelsea and really summed up just how much Howe depends on Pope in a number of ways. The former Burnley goalkeeper will not return before the international break and is likely to miss home games against West Ham United and Fulham Expected return date: 6/4/24 - Fulham (A)

Kieran Trippier - Calf injury

The England defender suffered a calf injury in the recent win against Wolves and a scan revealed Trippier has not sustained any major damage. However, he did miss Monday's loss at Chelsea and is expected to sit out the FA Cup quarter-final against former club Manchester City - but the home game against West Ham United after the international break is believed to be a more realistic return date. Expected return date: 30/3/24 - West Ham United (H)

Harvey Barnes - Thigh injury

Barnes' first season at St. James' Park has been a story of missed opportunities caused by injuries. The former Leicester City winger spent a long period on the sidelines with a foot injury suffered at Sheffield United in September and is now out until after the international break with a tight hamstring. Expected return date: 30/3/24 - West Ham United (H)

Dan Burn - Back injury

The former Brighton and Fulham defender suffered a serious back injury earlier in the season and there were concerns a similar injury had occurred at Stamford Bridge. However, Howe moved to ease fears over Burn's injury as stated he thought the defender was 'ok', despite conceding he was not '100 percent' sure. Expected return date: 16/3/24 - Manchester City (A)

Anthony Gordon - Knee injury

Unquestionably United's player of the season so far, this week was expected to be the week when Gordon's form was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the England squad. The former Everton forward has been essential in setting the tone in Howe's side this season but now looks set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Monday's defeat at Chelsea. Expected return date: Unknown.

Sandro Tonali - Suspended

The Italy international was the Magpies most expensive summer signing ahead of the current season but his appearances have been limited as a suspension for breaking gambling regulations in Italy brought a premature end to his first year on Tyneside. Expected return date: 31/8/24.