Eddie Howe has confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes had a "positive" scan on his ankle but that it is too early to confirm a return date for the Brazilian as he gave the latest injury news ahead of Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle travel to the capital to take on Palace this weekend as they look to move eight points clear of Tottenham in the Champions League places with a win against the Eagles. Spurs' 4-2 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night has presented Howe's side with the opportunity to widen the gap in their bid to finish in the top-four.
A 0-0 draw at St James' Park in September - followed by the same result in the third round of Carabao Cup in November - will have ensured that the Newcastle manager is taking nothing for granted when preparing for the match.
ALSO READ: Antonio Conte aims thinly-veiled swipe at Newcastle United as Tottenham lose to Man City
Below is the latest injury news and expected return dates for the Newcastle squad ahead of the game against Palace.
Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian suffered a nasty-looking injury during the 1-0 win over Fulham as he limped off the field in tears. Worries over a long-term injury quickly faded as news of a potential return in time for the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Southampton soon emerged.
Howe has now confirmed that the midfielder is on the road to recovery but that a timeline is still hard to predict.
What Howe said (Jan 20): " "He’s okay. He was devastated to come off the pitch. At the time he felt he had serious damage to his ankle but the scan was positive and hopefully it’s not a long-term injury. He has made good progress this week so we’ll see."
Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey
Targett has been suffering with a 'heel problem' and has been out of action since the start of the year. Shelvey meanwhile picked up a calf injury during the festive period and it looks to still be some time before the pair return to action.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey continue their journeys back - I think they've both respectively been doing well, but they're still some time away."
Potential return date: Unknown
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff has returned to the club following his loan spell at Colchester United and undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matty Longstaff's just had his operation on his ACL, so we wish him well."
Potential return date: Unknown
Emil Krafth
Krafth is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Tranmere in August.
What Howe said (Aug 30): "It's an ACL injury. He's not been operated on yet, so it's difficult to give a firm date, but it's going to be six to nine months. A long time out, which is a huge blow to us."
Potential return date: Unknown
READ NEXT
'Significant' Newcastle recruit is 'loving' new Magpies role and talks Dan Ashworth support
Newcastle U18s pass character test but left 'devastated' by late St James' Park heartbreak
Meet the Newcastle signing who debunks London transfer myth after 'no-brainer' decision
'I back that idea' - Exciting Newcastle transfer stance clear as Howe echoes Ashworth promise
Newcastle wonderkid's moment of magic and Wilshere's delight as Arsenal beat Magpies - three things
