Almiron, Botman, Gordon, Pope - Newcastle United injury latest ahead of Manchester United visit

Manchester United and Newcastle United have injury issues to contend with ahead of the Premier League's return after the final international break of the season.

The two teams chasing Champions League qualification meet on Sunday at St James' Park. United have as many as half a dozen players nursing injuries, and it's a similar story in the North East.

Here's the latest Newcastle injury news ahead of the weekend.

READ MORE: Howe confirms triple Newcastle injury boost

Injury: Ankle

Status: Doubt

What Howe has said: "I don't know the answer currently. He did a very small part of training on Wednesday so we'll see how he's came through that today."

Injury: Knee

Status: Out

What Howe has said: "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."

Injury: Thigh

Status: Out

What Howe has said: "I'd love him to beat the timescale given, but I don't see it currently. He's making good progress, and he's pain-free, so I don't think there are any long-term issues. I think we're four weeks off, maybe slightly less.'

Injury: Thigh

Status: Expected back

What Howe has said: “Nick felt a problem in his thigh after the Wolves games. He didn't train in the build up to the Forest game and then completed that game with a bit of discomfort. He's trained this week.“

Issue: Illness

Status: Expected back

What Howe has said: “Sven suffered a nasty bout of food poisoning. I don't think he was alone in the Netherlands camp so he left early to get himself back up to speed. He's trained with us since he's returned so he should be fine.“

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