Newcastle United's tight squad will be tested to its limits over the coming weeks as they negotiate the final nine matches of what has already been a long season.
With a place in the Premier League top five - and Champions League qualification which comes with it - at stake, Eddie Howe and Co can ill-afford any injury issues at this stage of the campaign. The sight of star striker Alexander Isak and experienced defender Kieran Trippier leaving the field before the end of the 2-1 win over Brentford will be of concern, although the United head coach is hopeful that neither picked up serious knocks.
Newcastle have already seen Lewis Hall ruled out for the rest of the season, while Sven Botman is recovering from minor surgery on his knee that will keep him out until May, so any new issues will test the depth of the squad. United don't play again until they go to Leicester City on Monday night, but then face Manchester United and Crystal Palace at St James' Park in the space of four days.
Here's the latest Newcastle United injury news, with potential return dates and what Howe has said on each individual case.
Alexander Isak
Injury: Groin
The Swedish striker came off early in the 2-1 win over Brentford, which was something of a surprise given the fact United were chasing a winner. However, Howe explained later that he wasn't 100 per cent - although he hopes it's nothing that will keep him out of next Monday's game at Leicester.
What Howe said: "We hope it’s nothing too serious, but he just wasn’t feeling 100 per cent in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him."
Expected return date: April 7, vs Leicester
Anthony Gordon
Injury: Hip
While the winger has had to sit out the last three matches through suspension after his red card in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, United fans were alarmed to see him limp out of England's victory over Albania. Howe confirmed Gordon had a badly bruised hip, although he was expected to return to first-team training this week and could be involved next Monday.
What Howe said: "Anthony has a really nasty bruise in and around his thigh. He's up and running, feeling quite good. He hasn't trained with the group yet, so we anticipate he'll do that within the next few days."
Expected return date: April 7, vs Leicester
Joelinton
Injury: Knee
The Brazilian midfielder was forced off for treatment against Brentford, but returned to play his part in the win. However, his knee issue will be monitored over the coming days ahead of Leicester.
What Howe said: "I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it’s the knee that he’s suffered from before. I don’t think he was 100 per cent fit, but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch today."
Expected return date: April 7, vs Leicester
Kieran Trippier
Injury: Groin
Another to leave the field before the final whistle of the 2-1 win over Brentford, any Trippier absence would be a damaging one for United. Howe revealed afterwards that he felt discomfort in his groin, which could be cramp-related.
What Howe said: "He said it was like a cramp sensation in his groin. We hope it’s nothing serious, but that is the negative today."
Expected return date: April 7, vs Leicester
Sven Botman
Injury: Knee
After a lengthy recovery from ACL surgery, the Dutch defender then picked up an issue in his other knee which required minor surgery after only a handful of games. However, both the club and the player have been quick to downplay fears it would end his season and, while he will likely miss all of April, he is expected to play a role in the final weeks of the campaign.
What Howe said: "Sven's not too bad. He's had an operation, a very minor operation, just to clean out a floating bone that was in his knee that was causing him the problem. I think the initial diagnosis was between six to eight weeks, but I think it's already got through two or three of those, so he's on the road, he's feeling good, fingers crossed we see him probably in May sometime."
Expected return date: May
Lewis Hall
Injury: Foot
The left-back suffered the devastating blow of missing out on the Carabao Cup final after succumbing to a foot problem. He is not expected to feature again this season, but is on schedule to recover in plenty of time for pre-season.
What Howe said: "We're really disappointed for Lewis. We are devastated for him. He had so much to look forward to. He had the cup final and then internationals coming up, he was in really good form. It is a big blow for him and for us."
Expected return date: Pre-season
Jamaal Lascelles
Injury: Knee
The club captain's recovery from ACL surgery has taken longer than expected, with the experienced defender now unlikely to play at all this season. He has not played since the 4-3 win over West Ham 12 months ago, but is making progress behind the scenes.
What Howe said: "I don't know if we will see Jamaal again this season and I don't want to set a target or time. He has started very light training with the squad. But on the drills that are not competitive he has joined in. He has looked very good, it is small steps for him."
Expected return date: Pre-season
