Wilson, Targett & Botman: Newcastle United injury news and return dates ahead of Wolves clash

Newcastle United have laboured under a lengthy injury list for large parts of the season – but that list is finally starting to shorten, with more players back in training and on the pitch this week ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

Joe Willock made his first start since November in Tuesday’s nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup, Elliot Anderson made his first appearance since October and Harvey Barnes got some more minutes under his belt as the Magpies emerged unscathed from a tough battle at Ewood Park.

Unfortunately, there are still some key players out of action, and Eddie Howe won’t have a full complement to choose from at St. James’ Park. We’ve collated all of the latest injury news and updates below, along with all of the information we have on the players’ likely return dates.

Nick Pope

England international Pope has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder against Manchester United in November, but he is now back in light training as he continues his rehabilitation after successful surgery. Barring setbacks, he should be in line to return in mid-to-late April.

Happily, back-up Martin Dúbravka, who missed the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal last weekend through illness, was back in the line-up against Blackburn and should not miss any further matches.

Callum Wilson

Former Bournemouth striker Wilson has been plagued by persistent injury problems this season and was hurt again during the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest earlier in February, suffering a torn pectoral muscle. That injury is expected to sideline him for around two more months, with late April or early May the expected return date.

Alexander Isak, who missed three league matches before returning to the starting eleven against Arsenal, came through another workout against Blackburn without further concerns, and the Swede should be fit and ready to go on Saturday.

Matt Targett

Left-back Targett is another player who has endured an injury-ravaged campaign has made just three Premier League appearances since the summer. A hamstring injury, which required surgery, has seen him sidelined since November but the former Aston Villa man is back in training and closing in on a return. He could be on the bench against Wolves, and is certain not far from getting back to full fitness.

Joelinton

A serious thigh injury during the derby day win over Sunderland has necessitated surgery and the Brazilian, arguably Newcastle’s most important player, has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks – but could be out for a lot longer, with Howe admitting that he may have played his last game for the club. No further updates have been provided about a likely return date, but he certainly won’t be back for the Wolves game.

Sven Botman

Dutch defender Botman missed the match at Ewood Park, which set a few alarm bells ringing – but Howe has denied rumours that the centre-half had sustained another injury, telling reporters that he had simply been rested during a busy period. He is expected to be available and fully fit for the weekend.

Tino Livramento

The club confirmed that the young full-back picked up a knock during the disappointing defeat at the Emirates, but he was able to play through that injury on the night and came on as a second-half substitute against Blackburn on Tuesday evening. He is not expected to miss any further game time.