Newcastle United's injury picture has improved since their last home game nearly a month ago, but head coach Matthias Jaissle will still be without several first-team players when they face Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Joelinton, Dan Burn, Amar Dedic and Nico Gonzalez returned to the squad for Monday's match at Coventry. However, the German coach has four players definitely ruled out this weekend and fitness doubts over three others.
Newcastle's injury concerns
Joelinton's second-half appearance at the CBS Arena suggests he is closest to starting again, but Jaissle has doubts over Burn and winger Bazoumana Toure. Captain Burn has confirmed he is not ready to start matches, while Toure picked up a knock at Coventry, although he is expected to be in the squad.
Definitely missing will be England full-back Tino Livramento, who is still a few weeks away from returning. Jaissle is cautiously optimistic about his comeback, which should be a matter of weeks.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also unavailable to face his former club. Ramsey is expected to join full training next week with a view to rejoining the matchday squad.
Villa's absentees
Newcastle have missed Anthony Elanga's pace down the right flank, but the Swede is close to returning to training. He will sit out this weekend's game but is set to return by the end of the month.
Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen faces several months out with a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with France U21s.
Aston Villa travel north without four players and with a major doubt over two others. Key midfielder Amadou Onana is expected to miss the whole season with a knee injury, while Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri won't play until December at the earliest.
Ian Maatsen is close to rejoining the squad after an ankle injury, but not until the end of the month, while centre-back Modou Keba Cisse is expected to miss out again as he recovers from a hip problem.
Emery is waiting to see how George Hemmings and Brian Madjo progress this week, with both in with a chance of making the squad. Young midfielder Hemmings has had a knee problem, while 17-year-old forward Madjo has recovered from a foot injury.
