Newcastle United's players have been given a few days off as they bid to rest and recuperate after a heavy spell of games. The Magpies return to action on Saturday when they travel to Southampton.

Eddie Howe's side make the long trip to the south coast off the back of a heavy defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend. United's nine-game winning run came to a shuddering halt in a performance that was littered with mistakes and fatigue.

Howe spoke about making sure his players regained their intensity levels this week. His decision to give them some time off before returning to training today comes as a number of injuries continue to bite his squad.

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In order to get back to winning ways, Howe is likely to call upon the services of the same group of players, though he could get a couple back inside the next week. Here's a look at the current Newcastle injury situation ahead of the game.

Nick Pope

Injury: Knee

What we know: The Newcastle No.1 has been out for around seven weeks after picking up a knee injury. Has been building up his fitness and rehab with the goalkeeper coaches and will be stepping up his return in full training with the first-team squad. Could be in the squad for Saturday's game.

Potential return date: January 25 2025

Jamaal Lascelles

Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament

What we know: The club captain is nearing a return after his ACL injury in March last year. His rehab has been longer than Sven Botman's given the severity of the injury, but he is back in training as he looks to build up his workload.

Potential return date: March 2025

Emil Krafth

Injury: Broken collarbone

What we know: Finally returned to the matchday squad against Wolves after recovering from a broken collarbone he sustained in November. Was omitted from the squad again on Saturday though. Eddie Howe will update on his fitness in his pre-match press conference on Friday

Potential return date: January 25 2025

Callum Wilson

Injury: Thigh injury

What we know: Wilson has been sidelined since picking up the injury against Brentford on December 7. Having just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, he broke down after making three substitute appearances inside a week. However he is back training on the grass and reports claim that he could be available for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final

Potential return date: February 5 2025

Harvey Barnes

Injury: Thigh

What we know: The winger suffered a thigh strain in the first half of the FA Cup game against Bromley. Eddie Howe said: Harvey will be missing for a period of time. We don't think it's a serious injury but it's enough to keep him out for a few weeks, we're probably looking at around a month. That's the early assessment. It's an injury to the muscle in his thigh.'

Potential return date: Mid-February 2025