Newcastle United left back Matt Targett is expected to be left out of today’s team against Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite returning to training this week.
The 28-year-old has not played since November’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United due to a hamstring injury.
On Monday, Howe stated that Target was “on the verge of returning” with Elliot Anderson, who made his comeback by scoring a penalty in United’s FA Cup fifth-round shootout victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Anderson is expected to be included in the squad for the visit of Wolves, but head coach Eddie Howe believes Targett “might need a little more time”. “Yeah, they’re on a similar timescale, but with different injuries,” Howe told NewcastleWorld.
“Matty may require additional time to return to the squad due to his muscular issue. But he’s back exercising with the group.”
Meanwhile, Sven Botman is in line to return to the matchday squad after being rested for the trip to Blackburn.
“Yes, we could see him,” Howe replied. “Sven is looking good. We just thought he’d benefit more from training.
“He is another player who has returned to the team after a long-term injury. We just felt he needed more individualized training to hopefully go back to his peak performance.”
Here’s the most recent team news from Newcastle and Wolves, ahead of this afternoon’s 3pm kickoff.
1. Sandro Tonali – out
The Italian is banned from football until August following an investigation into illegal betting activity.
2. Joelinton – out
Joelinton underwent surgery on his groin last month and won’t return until May the earliest.
3. Nick Pope – out
Newcastle have been without Pope since December after he underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
4. Matt Targett – out
Targett underwent surgery on his hamstring in November. He has returned to training but isn’t yet ready for the matchday squad.
5. Callum Wilson – out
Wilson is expected to miss the majority of the season after recently undergoing surgery on a pectoral muscle injury.
6. Matheus Cunha – out
No timescale has been put on Cunha’s return after he picked up a hamstring injury against Brentford in February.
7. Hwang Hee-chan – out
The South Korean picked up a thigh injury against Brighton on Wednesday and has been ruled out of the trip to St James’ Park.
Leave a Reply