It's the trump card for any struggling manager: 'We have injuries to key players'. However, all being well, and if the warm weather training stint in La Manga goes to plan, Newcastle can expect to welcome back up to seven of their squad for their next game against Stoke City on March 2nd. With the season's end quickly approaching, it's clear that the Magpies need all hands on deck during this crucial period and Steve McClaren - who was seen grinning like a Cheshire cat after the 5-1 drubbing at Chelsea - can hopefully have something worthwhile to smile about. In recent games, the injury list has meant that some of the club's youth have had a chance to get a taste of first-team life, but with none of them ever looking likely to get any game time, the return of the club's senior figures will be a welcome boost.
7. Massadio Haidara
The French full-back looked set to make the left back spot his own following Davide Santon's departure. However, a frequent fixture on the treatment table has slowed his progress and he currently finds himself playing second fiddle to local boy Paul Dummett. Dummett hasn't been without his critics this season and after he too suffered an injury setback, it will be an interesting battle to see who claims the position as their own in the final run-in if both men are able to stay fit. Having been out with a knee injury since November, it is unlikely the Frenchman will be ready to go straight into starting XI, but he could be a welcome addition to the subsitiutes' bench against Stoke.
