Newcastle United extended their positive start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday – and they did so without the services of some key players.
You could forgive Eddie Howe for bemoaning his luck throughout last season as the Magpies boss was forced to contend with a seemingly never-ending battle with injuries that hampered his attempts to build on the fourth-placed finish his side secured during the previous campaign. However, some of the bad luck suffered by United has lingered into the new season as Howe has been unable to call upon the likes of England striker Callum Wilson, club captain Jamaal Lascelles and promising midfielder Lewis Miley in the opening six weeks of the new campaign.
There are high hopes at least some of the current absentees could return to contention over the next month – but what are the latest updates on the Magpies injured players and when could they be back in action at St. James’ Park.
Sven Botman – knee injury
The former Lille centre-back made a major impact after joining Newcastle from the Ligue 1 club during the summer of 2022. His first season on Tyneside saw Botman and fellow centre-back Fabian Schar play a leading role in helping Eddie Howe’s side into the top four of the Premier League and bring an end to their two-decade absence from the Champions League. However, Botman’s second season with the club was brought to an early end when the Dutch defender suffered a serious knee injury that is set to keep him out of action until December at the earliest. Although significant progress has been made over the last month, it seems unlikely Botman will return any earlier than the final month of the year. Expected return date: December 2024.
Jamaal Lascelles – knee injury
Newcastle United endured an unprecedented string of injuries last seasonNewcastle United endured an unprecedented string of injuries last season
Newcastle United endured an unprecedented string of injuries last season | Getty Images
In what felt like a cruel twist of fate for both Lascelles and Howe, the Magpies club captain suffered a similar injury to Botman just weeks after replacing the Dutch Under-21 international in the Magpies back four. Lascelles has undergone an operation and his recovery is now in full swing – although similar to Botman, it seems unlikely he will return before December and may even have to wait until the first month of the new year. That will provide some concern for the former Nottingham Forest defender, who will head into the final six months of his current Magpies deal in January Expected return date: January 2025
Callum Wilson – back injury
The England international is yet to feature this season after suffering an injury to his lower back during the summer. The news was a major blow to Howe, who has been forced to rely on the services of Alexander Isak as his only out-and-out striker during the first month of the new campaign. The Magpies boss had hoped to have Wilson back in contention for Sunday’s win at Wolverhampton Wanderers – but it was confirmed the striker was ‘a little bit behind’ in his recovery.
Speaking last week, Howe said: “Callum hasn’t had a setback but he’s a little bit behind where we wanted him to be. We envisaged that he might be training at this moment but he’s not there yet. There’s no injury or re-injury, it’s just a case of him not feeling like he can push that final part at the moment but hopefully in the coming weeks he will be but it’s not going to be a long-term problem.” Expected return date: October 2024.
Lewis Miley – foot injury
The Magpies academy product made a major breakthrough into the senior setup at St. James’ Park last season and produced eye-catching performances against the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham, scoring his maiden first-team goal in a win against the latter. However, a back injury brought a premature end to his season and the young midfielder then suffered a metatarsal injury during the summer that means he is yet to feature this season. However, there are some hopes he may return early next month Expected return date: October 2024.
Alexander Isak – facial injury
Newcastle United striker Alexander IsakNewcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak | AFP via Getty Images
The Sweden striker has enjoyed a promising start to the new season as he carries the responsibility of leading the Magpies frontline. However, Isak was forced out of Sunday’s 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers with what was initially believed to be an injury to his nose. Howe admitted he wasn’t sure what the issue was in the aftermath of the game and stressed the importance of Isak to his side.
The Magpies boss said: “I think it was more his eye so I’m not 100% sure what the issue was but I knew he had to come off. We’ll find out more afterwards. I absolutely hope not (it isn’t serious) as he’s such an important player for us.” Expected return date: Unknown.
