Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes of NEWCASTLE UNITED won’t be available until early January at the latest.
While Barnes sustained a foot injury early in September’s eight-goal rout of Sheffield United, Willock is currently out with an Achilles injury.
The two are still a long way from resumed full training, and Eddie Howe anticipates that they won’t be back in the starting lineup until the new year.
Howe stated: “Joe has had several injections in his Achilles, which has been a chronic issue for him. He is currently going through this period.
“We’re obviously working to get him back to full fitness because it’s a challenging injury, but I don’t think he’ll be back until January.”
Harvey will experience the same thing. He did not have foot surgery. The specialist thought he would be alright, and while we continue to hope that it won’t be more serious and that he won’t require surgery, we are currently in the waiting phase to find out if he will recover or not.
Positively, Howe is optimistic that Anthony Gordon will be cleared to play in Newcastle United’s home match against Fulham this afternoon.
Gordon was forced off the pitch midway through the second half of Wednesday’s home loss to AC Milan due to hamstring tightness, and the Magpies were eliminated from the Champions League.
Although the winger heals quickly, Howe is optimistic that he will be able to play tomorrow at St. James’ Park despite the ongoing injury concern.
“We’ll see how Anthony is today,” stated the head coach of Newcastle. “Anthony is usually very quick at recovering from different things.”
Kieran Trippier is out for Howe tomorrow due to suspension; the full-back received his fifth booking of the year during the team’s loss to Tottenham last weekend.
Dan Burn, who was substituted in the second half of the match against AC Milan, is expected to start this weekend for the first time since early November.
Howe exclaimed, “Having Dan back is huge.” Not only is the player involved, but the character as well. It’s his extensive experience combined with the leadership qualities he demonstrates in the locker room.
We can play in a particular way because of him. Dan has played a significant role in our work, and his absence has been felt deeply.
He has also been physically missed. He’s been a major contributor for us because there’s no doubting his physical prowess and abilities, especially with set-plays for and against.
