Willock, Barnes & Murphy: Newcastle United injury list & expected return dates ahead of Liverpool clash

Injuries has been a constant theme of Newcastle United's season as Eddie Howe has been forced to contend with several key absentees throughout the first half of the campaign.

There were high hopes for the Magpies ahead of the season as they looked to build on the momentum built up by securing a top four place in the Premier League and there was the added excitement of the return of Champions League football for the first time in two decades.

However, what has played out has been something very different as Howe's ranks have been decimated by several serious injuries and the long-term suspension handed out to summer signing Sandro Tonali.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the Magpies boss as a number of his injured players are expected to return over the coming weeks - but what is the latest injury situation at St James Park ahead of Monday's trip to Premier League rivals Liverpool?

Nick Pope

The England goalkeeper suffered a dislocated shoulder in the 1-0 home win against Manchester United earlier this month and his absence has been felt by the Magpies as they have struggled to find form. Martin Dubravka has stepped in to replace Pope and has kept just one clean sheet in seven games and has conceded 14 goals during that time. Pope is not expected to return until April and could find he has new competition for a place in the United side as the Magpies consider a move for a goalkeeper during the January transfer window.

Expected return date: April 2024

Jacob Murphy

The trusted winger has not featured for the Magpies since he suffered a shoulder injury in the 1-0 win against Arsenal in November. The former Norwich City star had initially sustained the injury in a Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund just weeks earlier and will not return to contention until the end of January. The trip to Aston Villa is believed to be a realistic target for a comeback.

Expected return date: Late-January 2024

Harvey Barnes

There had been some hope Barnes could play some part in the Magpies' Christmas fixtures as he closed in on a comeback from the ankle injury he suffered in the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September. However, the former Leicester City winger suffered a setback in the middle of December and is unlikely to return until the Magpies travel to Aston Villa next month.

Expected return date: Late-January 2024

Elliot Anderson

The Magpies academy product can count himself unfortunate not to have earned a real opportunity to force his way into Eddie Howe's thinking on a consistent basis in recent months. With the likes of Harvey Barnes, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock all spending time on the sidelines, Anderson surely would have been handed more game-time. However, a stress fracture in his back meant the talented midfielder has not featured since the 4-0 home win against Crystal Palace in October. The home game with Manchester City in the middle of next month could be his target for a comeback.

Expected return date: Mid-January 2024

Matt Targett

The left-back suffered what he described as a 'completely bizarre injury' to his hamstring within the first minute of the Carabao Cup win against Manchester United earlier this season and underwent surgery that will keep him out of action until the new year. There have been no official updates on a possible return date but there were reports suggesting March is a possible target.

Expected return date: March 2024

Jamaal Lascelles

The Magpies club captain was absent for the Boxing Day defeat against former club Nottingham Forest with a groin injury but Howe is hopeful Lascelles will be able to feature against Liverpool on Monday.

Expected return date: Early-January 2024

Javier Manquillo

The former Liverpool and Sunderland full-back has just two unused substitute appearances to his name this season as a groin injury continues to limit his involvement in Howe's squad. Little is known about the severity of his injury or a possible comeback date. However, the Spaniard will head into the final six months of his current deal at St James Park in the new year and could be allowed to leave the club in January if he can prove his fitness.

Expected return date: Unknown

Sandro Tonali

The Italy international will not appear again this season after he was handed a lengthy suspension for breeching gambling laws in Italy during his time with AC Milan. Tonali's 10-month ban means he will not return to action until the end of August.

Expected return date: August 2024