INJURY NEWS: Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, and Tino Livramento, who are currently sidelined due to injury, are not expected to return until next year.

Newcastle United has received some positive updates on player fitness recently, but their injury list remains substantial. Joe Willock and Alexander Isak returned from injury during the 4-1 defeat against Arsenal, although goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was sidelined due to illness and Tino Livramento sustained a knock during the same match. Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes also experienced discomfort but did not report any major issues.

With Dubravka unavailable, third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius stepped in, while Nick Pope continues his recovery from a dislocated shoulder. Pope, who underwent surgery, is nearing the final stages of rehabilitation.

Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are expected to return to training soon after lengthy absences. Targett, recovering from a hamstring injury that required surgery, is back on the field and anticipated to resume training later this month. Anderson, who has been sidelined with a back injury since late October, is also nearing a return to training.

Newcastle’s upcoming FA Cup fifth-round fixture against Blackburn Rovers will see further assessment of Dubravka’s condition. Following this, the team will aim to secure their first home win of 2024 when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend.

Here’s an updated list of Newcastle United’s injuries and expected return dates:

1. Tino Livramento (knock) – are not Expected to return: Blackburn Rovers (A) – 27/02
2. Martin Dubravka (illness) – are not Expected to return (H) – 02/03
3. Matt Targett (hamstring) – are not Expected to return: Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – 02/03
4. Elliot Anderson (back) – are not Expected to return: Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – 02/03