Newcastle United injury update: Botman, Livramento and Trippier return dates

Newcastle United head into 2026 still juggling a heavy injury list, but there is growing optimism around several key defenders as Eddie Howe looks to welcome bodies back during a demanding January schedule.

The Newcastle United boss has been without a host of first-team regulars in recent weeks, particularly at the back, with January bringing a packed run of fixtures including Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

Here is the latest Newcastle United injury news and expected return dates.

Injury: Knee

The England full-back suffered a fresh setback in the Carabao Cup win over Fulham, aggravating the same knee injury he had only recently returned from. Newcastle are taking no risks.

What Howe said:
“We probably won’t see him again until 2026. This is one he has done before… It is a minor injury but it will keep him out for a good few weeks.”

Expected return: Mid-to-late January

Injury: Ankle

Hall twisted his ankle during the win at Burnley and was clearly uncomfortable, but crucially managed to play on. Early indications are positive.

What Howe said: “He just twisted his ankle… it was bothering him but he got through it. Fingers crossed there is no big injury.”

Expected return: Crystal Palace (Sunday)

Injury: Knock

Elanga missed the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester United, but the issue is believed to be minor.

What Howe said: “We don’t think it is too serious, and we hope to have him back pretty quickly.”

Expected return: Crystal Palace (Sunday)

Injury: Ribs / punctured lung

Burn faces a lengthy absence after suffering a serious blow against Sunderland, breaking a rib and puncturing a lung.

What Howe said: “He was struggling to breathe at half-time. It was a big problem.”

Expected return: Late January (estimate)

Injury: Back

There is cautious optimism around Sven Botman, who has received an injection to address a back problem that has sidelined him since the defeat at Brentford.

What Howe said: “Sven has had an injection in his back… we think there’s a timeframe of about a week for it to work.”

Expected return: Early January

Injury: Hamstring

The experienced full-back has been absent for several weeks and remains on a cautious recovery plan.

What Howe said: “He had a scan… we think it is roughly about a month, give or take.”

Expected return: Early January

Injury: Ankle / foot

Osula has been sidelined since withdrawing from the bench against Athletic Bilbao. The issue is not serious, but rest was deemed necessary.

What Howe said: “It’s not a serious injury; we expect it to be weeks.”

Expected return: January

Injury: Knee

The versatile defender returned from international duty with a knee problem and remains unavailable at a time when cover is badly needed.

What Howe said: “We don’t think it’s anything too serious. He has had a scan.”

Expected return: Early January

Injury: Muscle

There is better news regarding the club captain, who has been training with the group and is close to making a return.

What Howe said: “Jamaal is returning from a muscle problem. He’s fit and training with the group.”

Expected return: Crystal Palace (Sunday)

With January fixtures piling up and defensive depth stretched, the potential returns of Botman, Trippier and Lascelles could be crucial. Livramento and Burn remain longer-term concerns, but Howe will hope the new year finally brings some relief on the injury front.

Which Newcastle defender’s return will make the biggest difference in January?