Schar, Trippier and Botman: Newcastle United injury latest and possible return dates ahead of Brighton clash

Eddie Howe must be breathing a lengthy a sigh of relief, now his seemingly season-long battle with injuries has shown some signs of receding ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League’s penultimate weekend.

With the list of absentees regularly hitting double figures throughout the campaign, the Newcastle United boss has been forced to work with an almost skeletal squad, which has threatened to hamper his attempts to build on last season’s impressive top four finish. The timing of the likes of Joelinton, Nick Pope and Miguel Almiron returning seems perfect, as despite their other injury woes, Newcastle remain firmly in the race for European football next season, and head into Saturday’s home clash with Brighton and Hove Albion knowing a win over the Seagulls will tighten their grip on a top six place.

Yet Howe is still dealing with several key absentees ahead of the meeting with Roberto De Zerbi’s side, as a number of Magpies stars are already focusing their attentions on being fit for the new campaign, when they will hope to be competing in Europe for the second consecutive season.

Sven Botman

The Dutch defender has been something of an inspired signing for the Magpies and played a lead role in helping end their 20-year absence from the Champions League in his first season on Tyneside. His second year has not gone as smoothly with injuries limiting his impact on Eddie Howe’s side and his season was brought to an end by an anterior cruciate ligament injury that could mean for the former Lille centre-back will not return to contention until the early weeks of 2025. Possible return date: January 2025

Jamaal Lascelles

It seemed somewhat cruel on Lascelles and Howe when the ex-Nottingham Forest defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the dramatic win against West Ham United in March. With Botman’s injury already confirmed, Lascelles looked set for a run in the Magpies side and seemed to be rekindling his partnership with the excellent Fabian Schar. However, the injury he suffered will now keep Lascelles on the sidelines until the end of the year. Possible return date: December 2024

Joe Willock

Willock’s importance to any Newcastle side can not and should not be underplayed. Although he may not grab the headlines in the way Joelinton or Bruno Guimaraes can, the former Arsenal midfielder gives energy, balance and drive and is always a threat in goal-scoring positions. That is why Howe viewed the Achilles injury that ended Willock’s season as such a major blow to his plans for the remainder of the season. In the words of the Magpies boss: “The long-term view was taken; we will get him right for next season.” Surgery was not required and it’s all about being ready for August Possible return date: July 2024.

Fabian Schar

Another defensive blow and it would not be out of the question to suggest this one is the biggest yet. Quite simply, Schar has become essential to Howe’s side over the last two seasons and often sets the tone for a performance from the backline. A start point for attacks, a cool and composed head in defence, the Swiss international’s talents are all too obvious - but they won’t be seen again this season after a thigh injury brought a premature end to his campaign. Possible return date: July 2024

Lewis Miley

Had United not been subjected to what has felt like a season-long battle with injuries, Miley may well have spent the campaign playing for the club’s Under-23s. However, the youngster showed his unquestionable talent with a string of impressive displays when he was called upon during the first half of the season. A lower back injury means his season was brought to an end last month and the academy product will now focus on being ready for a big season during the summer. Possible return date: July 2024

Kieran Trippier

It has been a challenging season for Trippier and in many ways he represents the sort of campaign his side has endured. There have been injuries, errors and a loss in form - but he has also shown his undoubted class and ability and has produced some impressive displays that have shown just why he is so loved by his manager. After returning from a rehabilitation trip to Dubai, Trippier is rapidly closing in on a return to fitness and could feature in his side’s final three games of the season Possible return date: Brighton (H) 11/5

Matt Targett

There has been a little bit of uncertainty about Targett’s return and there seems to be little clarity over his injury as a whole. Injured in the impressive Carabao Cup win at Manchester United, Targett has missed the last six months and will miss the final three games of the season after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. He will look to return to fitness during the summer months and be ready for the new season - although whether he begins the new campaign on Tyneside remains to be seen. Possible return date: July 2024