Wilson, Schar, Willock: Newcastle United injury latest and possible return dates ahead of Man Utd clash

The equation is simple for Newcastle United as they head into the final days of a long and draining season.

Just 12 months ago, Eddie Howe’s side were celebrating ending the club’s two-decade absence from the Champions League and thoughts had quickly turned towards competing at European football’s top table once again. It could be argued the current campaign has not quite turned out how Magpies supporters would have wished, as a seemingly never-ending battle with injuries has hampered Howe’s plans throughout the last nine months.

Despite being without key players for large swathes of the season, United remain in contention for a top six place ahead of away games at Manchester United and Brentford over the final days of the season. But who is available for a crucial week in the bid for an immediate return to Europe and who has seen their season brought to an end?

Matt Targett

The former Aston Villa and Southampton left-back has not featured since picking up an injury in a Carabao Cup win at Manchester United in November. There were some positive noises surrounding Targett’s possible return to contention in March - but he will now focus his attention on returning for pre-season training.

Lewis Miley

The promising midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Newcastle after building on a strong pre-season and taking full advantage of an injury crisis in Eddie Howe’s ranks. Eye-catching displays against the like of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have rightly caused excitement over the youngster’s potential - but a lower back injury means he will not feature again this season and will work hard throughout the summer to return to fitness.

Joe Willock

There is no doubt the former Arsenal midfielder has a sizeable impact on Eddie Howe’s side when he is fit and available. Sadly, Willock’s season has been decimated by injury and an Achilles blow has brought a premature end to his campaign.

Sven Botman

The Dutch defender may not have hit the heights of what was a stunning first season at Newcastle - but he remains a key part of Eddie Howe’s plans for the future. After initially playing through the pain barrier earlier in the campaign, Botman’s season was curtailed by an operation to an ACL injury that is likely to keep him out until December at the earliest.

Jamaal Lascelles

The Magpies club captain was enjoying a promising run of form in the absence of Botman - but he followed his fellow centre-back into the treatment room after he suffered an ACL injury in the dramatic 4-3 win against West Ham United. Lascelles will now be out of action until the final weeks of the year.

Fabian Schar

After initially being ruled out of the final week of the season with a thigh injury, Schar could be available for Sunday’s final game of the campaign at Brentford. The news will be a major boost for Howe as he contends with a makeshift centre-back partnership of Emil Krafth and Dan Burn.

Callum Wilson

The Magpies striker has seen another season hit by injuries - but has continued to prove his worth when he has been fit and available. After suffering some muscle tightness, Wilson missed Saturday’s draw with Brighton but should be available for either Wednesday night’s visit to Manchester United or Sunday’s trip to Brentford.