Newcastle United are confident that Harvey Barnes will be able to play again before the end of the year.
The winger suffered a toe injury during the early stages of the Magpies’ 8-0 triumph against Sheffield United last month, his second appearance since his £38 million summer move from Leicester City.
Although surgery was not required, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated that Barnes would need three months to recover.
Howe went on to confirm that Barnes’ recuperation period would be spent training rather than playing, putting him out until early 2024. However, according to a new update, Howe expects to have the 25-year-old back sooner.
“Hopefully we can get him back a little earlier than that but we’re looking towards the end of December,” according to Howe.
“Yeah, he’s OK. I think it was a disappointing injury since it was so minor; he felt discomfort in his toe while attempting to push off, which is a maneuver he’s done numerous times throughout his career.
“It’s a frustrating one because there’s not much you can do early on; you just have to rest and let the bone heal.” Once he starts moving, perhaps he’ll feel much better.”
Barnes is one of several Newcastle attackers that are presently out. During the midweek loss to Borussia Dortmund, Alexander Isak suffered a recurrence of his thigh problem, while Jacob Murphy dislocated his shoulder.
Elliot Anderson, a versatile midfielder who can also play on the left flank, is sidelined for eight weeks with a back ailment.
“We’re a bright light in the attacking areas,” Howe added. I believe I stated that we have a deeper roster this season, but if injuries occur in one or more areas, that quickly changes.
“Unfortunately, we’re missing Harvey, Elliot and now Alexander and Jacob, and suddenly our attacking resources look stretched.”
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