Willock, Botman, Wilson: Newcastle United latest injury update and return dates

Newcastle United will head into the international break still unbeaten in all competitions during the first month of the season.

Eddie Howe’s side have battled their way to a somewhat fortunate draw at Bournemouth and claimed hard earned home wins against Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. Progress in the Carabao Cup was also secured with a penalty shoot-out win at Nottingham Forest last week and the Magpies will visit League Two club AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the competition after the international break.

It has not been an easy season so far for Howe and his squad as they went into battle with a number of key players absent with injuries - but some are nearing a return to action over the coming weeks. With the international break now in full swing, we look at the latest updates and possible return dates of the likes of Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles.

Sven Botman

The Dutch defender saw his involvement in last season brought to a premature end by a serious knee injury after aggravating a previous injury in an FA Cup defeat against Manchester City. The former Lille centre-back underwent surgery in March and was initially ruled out for a period between six and nine months, meaning Magpies supporters may have to wait until the new year to see Botman back in action once again. Potential return date: January 2025

Emil Krafth

The versatile defender has been an invaluable option for Howe following Fabian Schar’s red card on the opening day of the season. Krafth has featured at the heart of the Magpies back four and has performed admirably - but he has now withdrawn from international duty with Sweden after picking up ‘a knock’ in Sunday’s win against Tottenham Hotspur. However, Krafth is believed to be ready to return when the Magpies return to action at Wolves in the middle of the month. Potential return date: Mid-September

Jamaal Lascelles

In what felt like a cruel twist of fate for the Magpies, Botman’s replacement, club captain Jamaal Lascelles, suffered a similar injury to the Dutchman just weeks after speaking into the side in his place. The former Nottingham Forest defender endured a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury and also underwent surgery in March. A similar return date can be placed upon the long-serving defender Potential return date: January 2025

Joe Willock

You have to feel for Willock. After spending the majority of last season on the sidelines, the former Arsenal man was aiming to get himself back in the Magpies side this season - but an injury suffered in the Carabao Cup win against Nottingham Forest last week was a massive blow. There was some welcome news for Howe and Willock when the Magpies boss confirmed the thigh injury was not a serious injury and the attacking midfielder could well return later this month. Potential return date: Mid-September

Lewis Miley

The Magpies academy product was one of the breakout stories of last season as he took full advantage of a seemingly never-ending injury crisis to force his way into Eddie Howe’s side. After producing impressive displays against the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham, Miley followed a number of his senior team-mates into the treatment room after suffering a back injury that ended his first full season in the first-team setup. However, there was a further blow for the England youth international when he suffered an ankle injury during the summer and that is set to keep him on the sidelines for another couple of months. Potential return date: October 2024

Callum Wilson

Injuries hampered Wilson’s attempts to help Newcastle build on what was an overwhelmingly successful season last time out. After becoming the Magpies top goalscorer during the previous season as they secured a top four finish, Wilson’s impact last season was limited by a series of injuries. There were high hopes the England striker could return ahead of the current campaign and provide competition for Alexander Isak - but he is now expected to remain on the sidelines for at least another fortnight as he works his way back from a lower back injury. Potential return date: Mid-September 2024

Martin Dubravka

The Slovakia international was ruled out of last Sunday’s long trip to Bournemouth after suffering a concussion in training and that meant veteran stopper John Ruddy stepped up to bench duty on the south coast. Concussion protocols mean Dubravka will remain on the sidelines for another week and could return to the squad for the trip to Wolves after the international break. Potential return date: Mid-September 2024

Fabian Schar

This one is not an injury but Schar will remain on the sidelines for Sunday’s home clash with Spurs as he continues to serve a suspension for the controversial red card he was shown during the opening day win over Southampton. Schar will be back in action when the Magpies visit Wolves next month. Potential return date: Mid-September 2024