Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided a mixed injury update ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at St James' Park.
The Magpies crashed out of the Champions League and Europe altogether on Wednesday when they lost 2-1 at home to AC Milan, finishing rock bottom or Group F.
Newcastle have lost each of their last three matches in all competitions, but Howe has been working with a depleted squad as several players continue to recover from injury.
Howe has confirmed that some of those players are closing in on a return, while others are either suspended, doubtful or remain sidelined with long-term issues.
Kieran Trippier picked up a knock against Milan in midweek but is suspended for the clash with Fulham anyway, while Anthony Gordon has emerged as a doubt with a possible hamstring problem.
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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Howe said: "We are now getting a couple of players back but not in their best physical condition.
"Kieran misses this game through suspension so it is a good time for him to rest and we will see how he is next week.
"We will see how Anthony Gordon is today. Joe Willock in a period where he has had a couple of injections, a difficult injury but he won't be back this side of January."
Willock (Achilles) is one of seven first-team players who remains in the treatment room along with Harvey Barnes (foot), Sven Botman (knee), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Javi Manquillo (groin).
Howe has revealed that Barnes, who has been sidelined since September, appears to have suffered a "setback" in his recovery from a foot injury.
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"It's a setback to a degree, where he's felt pain in his foot again," said the Magpies boss. "Hopefully it's not a permanent setback and he won't need an operation. There's still a chance that might happen."
On a positive note, Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn all recovered from injury to feature against Milan in midweek, with the former starting up front and the latter two coming on as second-half substitutes.
"Dan Burn is closer to be being back (to full fitness), Sean Longstaff closer to being back and we are managing them to stay back," said Howe.
Discussing the importance of Burn, Howe added: "Dan is not just the player, but the character and the leadership qualities you get in the dressing room with him.
"He has allowed us to play in a certain way. He has been an important part of what we have, and we have missed him when he has been away."
Newcastle currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, seven points behind the top four and five points clear of Saturday's opponents Fulham in 10th place.
Oliver Thomas
