Newcastle United goes head-to-head with Chelsea this Saturday at St. James' Park (kick-off at 12:30 pm), so here's the injury rundown on players like Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, and Kieran Trippier.

After that 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the last league game, the Magpies want to get back on track and get closer to those European spots.

Chelsea’s sitting in fourth right now, six points ahead of Eddie Howe’s crew. In the past two seasons, the Blues ended up three points above Newcastle on the table.

Newcastle has won its last four home games against Chelsea, including that 2-0 victory back in May that helped them snag a spot in the Champions League.

But Newcastle’s got a smaller squad than usual for Saturday’s match, especially on defence. Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw are the only senior defenders who are totally fit. Howe might not even have any experienced full-backs to pick from for the game.

Here’s the current injury situation for Newcastle United, along with when the players are expected to be back:

Joelinton - groin

Joelinton hasn’t played since that groin injury against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. He’s been available on the bench for the last couple of games and will probably be there again against Chelsea on Saturday.

Lewis Hall - hamstring

Lewis Hall didn’t play in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham because of a hamstring issue. It’s not thought to be too bad, but because Hall had some injury problems in 2025, the club is being extra careful with him.

He might be ready to play on Saturday.

Expected return: 20/12 - Chelsea (H)

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Nick Pope - groin

Pope hasn’t played in any of Newcastle’s last six games, but he’s been training this week, leading up to the Chelsea match and might be back in the squad.

Expected return: 20/12 - Chelsea (H)

Kieran Trippier - hamstring

Trippier being out has been tough for the Magpies, meaning Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have had to play more than they should. Hopefully, Trippier will be back around the start of the new year.

Expected return: 04/01 - Crystal Palace (H)

William Osula - ankle

Osula’s been out with an ankle injury, and the club even got a specialist to take a look. He hasn’t played since that loss to West Ham in early November, and there’s no word on when he’ll be back.

Expected return: 13/01 - Manchester City (H)

Sven Botman - back

Botman saw a specialist for a back injury and got an injection for it, but the club hasn’t said when he’ll be back.

Expected return: TBC (early 2026)

Emil Krafth - knee

Krafth hasn’t played for Newcastle United since those 45 minutes against West Ham early last month. It’s a setback since a defensive injury issue is starting to get worse. Howe said earlier this week that Krafth will be out until early 2026.

Expected return: 04/01 - Crystal Palace (H)

Dan Burn - ribs

Burn hurt his ribs during Sunday’s defeat to Sunderland and had to go to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing after that hit with Nordi Mukiele. Howe said on Tuesday that Burn will be out for four to six weeks.

Expected return: 18/01 - Wolves (A)

Newcastle United fans are eager to see Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade play together up front.

Wissa mentioned that he's already chatted with Woltemade about teaming up.

These two forwards are expected to step up since Alexander Isak left for Liverpool. Woltemade has scored seven goals in all competitions, but his scoring has slowed down recently.

Newcastle missed Wissa, their £55 million signing, for three months due to a knee injury he picked up playing for his country, leaving Woltemade to carry the attack.

Wissa scored against Fulham in his first start for Newcastle. His presence in the lineup was felt immediately, giving Newcastle a striker who can get in behind defenses.

Wearing the famous No. 9 shirt, Wissa scored a classic goal to mark his arrival. Eddie Howe subbed him off after 72 minutes as he works his way back to full fitness.

Wissa was thrilled about scoring for Newcastle: “It’s what I’ve been dreaming of. Now I need to score more. It’s been a weird few months with the injury, but I’m here now. I’m happy for the fans, that I can help the team, and for my family because it's been crazy.”

‘We have talked.’ - Yoane Wissa

Wissa also said that he and Woltemade have talked about forming a great partnership at Newcastle. Lately, fans have been pushing Howe to play them together.

“The manager has a tough job,” Wissa said. “He’s got so many good players, but Nick and I have talked about playing together. Nick is talented, so playing with him would be great for both of us. We’re looking forward to it.”

Eddie Howe praises Yoane Wissa.

Howe said about Wissa, “It was a really good night in many ways. He scored his goal well and will only improve with more playing time. Alex Murphy did well coming on too, so I’m happy for him and all the players.