Newcastle United will return from the September international break looking to build on their positive start to the Premier League campaign – but in the knowledge they must improve their away form to do so.
Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten from their first four games, and the Magpies head coach could be handed a welcome injury boost for their forthcoming fixtures. Four of the next five matches are away from St James’ Park – and the solitary home game on the horizon sees Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City come to Tyneside.
Before then, United have away trips to Wolves this Sunday, followed by a visit to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Saturday, September 21 and a midweek game with AFC Wimledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Howe knows he will need a strong squad available to him and could add three players to his current squad in the coming weeks.
With Sandro Tonali already back in the group following the end of his 10-month ban, Howe could be bolstered by the quick return of another midfielder, with Joe Willock’s thigh injury thankfully not as serious as first feared. The former Arsenal star could still miss Sunday’s game at Molineux, depending on how treatment has progressed, but could well return at Fulham.
Callum Wilson has been a big miss to Howe so far this season, with a back injury keeping the No 9 out of pre-season and the first four games. The United boss had suggested he could be fit to return after the international break, with Wilson hoping to make a playing return in the coming games.
Another player to miss much of pre-season was Lewis Miley, with the youngster breaking a metatarsal at the beginning of July, Typical recovery is around three months, meaning the 18-year-old could be back in action before September is out – although an October return could be more realistic.
Two players who won’t be rushed back are central defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. Both underwent ACL surgery last spring and are expected to take close to the full nine-month recovery period, meaning they are unlikely to return much before the end of the year. However, both are said to be making good progress and are on course to make key contribitions in the second half of the campaign.
