After a grueling few months, Newcastle United’s injury situation is starting to improve as 2024 approaches.
With the Magpies playing in their first cup final at Wembley in 24 years and qualifying for the Champions League again, 2023 has proven to be a remarkable year for them.
No one can deny that Eddie Howe’s team gave it their all, even if they lost to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final and placed last in a group that included AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Sadly, though, Howe’s team has suffered in recent weeks due to the increasing number of games. The list of United’s absentees has grown to ten, and the players who are playing every week have appeared lanky.
It is a part of Newcastle’s serious decline in form, as they have dropped to ninth place in the Premier League table after losing six of their past seven games across all competitions.
On New Year’s Day, United travels to Liverpool and then plays their fierce rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup third round. Then come league matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Amidst a demanding schedule, will Howe let any of his injured players to return? NewcastleWorld examines each player’s potential comeback date here:
1. Sandro Tonali – banned
Tonali’s football career is on hold until August 2024 as a result of an inquiry into illicit betting. Date of expected return: August 2024.
2. Javier Manquillo – groin
Manquillo is now unable to play due to a groin problem. Anticipated date of return: Unknown
3. Matt Targett – hamstring
Targett will be out of commission for three months after undergoing hamstring surgery in early December. Expected date of return: March 02, Luton Town (H)
4. Jacob Murphy – dislocated shoulder
Murphy had surgery to realign his dislocated shoulder, and he won’t be back until 2024. Expected date of return: Man City (H) 13/01
