Eddie Howe issues Newcastle injury update, confirms Harvey Barnes setback
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.
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.
«It's a setback to a degree, where he's felt pain in his foot again,» said the Magpies boss. «Hopefully it's
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