Injuries have played a huge part of Newcastle United's season.

While the likes of Alan Shearer have stopped short of blaming fatigue as the sole reason for Newcastle's current malaise, there's little doubting Eddie Howe has been having to rely on a small group of players across a number of different competitions.

That does not mean those who have played are immune from criticism but even the likes of Jurgen Klopp have picked up on just how difficult the crisis has been for Howe.

One of the players missing is Elliot Anderson.

The 21-year-old had been tipped for a big season but has not featured since the win over Crystal Palace in October.

Anderson suffered a back injury, one taking its time to heal.

Now, he has spoken on his comeback.

Elliot Anderson: Newcastle injury latest The midfielder took to Instagram to reflect on the year of 2023, vowing to return from injury "stronger".

He captioned a collage of him in action during the year: "2023. A year full of highs and lows, not the ending I had hoped for but 2024 I will be back stronger."

Elliot Anderson: Worth the wait for Newcastle? The likes of Callum Wilson have predicted big things for Anderson, so it's gutting to see his season blighted by injury.

There has been a lot of talk about his potential for a while now, so it's important the academy graduate starts to build.

Clearly, he can do little about injury but Lewis Miley has emerged as perhaps the kind of talent many thought Anderson would be in his absence.

At some point, things need to click. Anderson is clearly rated behind the scenes but there's only so long ago we can talk up potential.

Hopefully when he's back from injury, Newcastle will start to see him at his best.