25-year-old Newcastle player could now be back in full training very soon after injury

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Newcastle United are riddled with injuries right now, but one long-term absentee has taken a huge step towards returning.

The Magpies spent big during the summer transfer window, but their recruitment has gone under the microscope as of late, as they have been without almost £100million worth of talent.

Sandro Tonali has been banned for betting and is now out until August 2024, while Harvey Barnes has been out of action due to injury. He was forced off with a bizarre foot injury against Sheffield United back in September, in a game that the Magpies went on to win 8-0.

But while there was joy for the Toon Army on that day, there was agony for Barnes. His innocuous injury was a bad one, ruling him out for a few months. That was such a blow so early into his Newcastle career.

It was feared that he could be out of action until 2024, but it sounds like the England international is actually ahead of schedule.

Newcastle receive positive injury news regarding Harvey Barnes

According to the Chronicle, Barnes is no longer wearing a protective boot and is back on the grass and running at the club’s training ground.

They add that Barnes has been making good progress and hopes to return to full training alongside his Newcastle teammates ‘in due course’.

That is a huge boost, considering the fact it was initially feared that he would be out for the rest of the year.

With Newcastle facing two games a week between now and Christmas, it is vital that Howe has plenty of players available so that he can rotate his squad. That is becoming tougher and tougher, with so many players being ruled out.

The Magpies have plenty of long-term injuries right now, but it sounds like one of their casualties is surprisingly close to a return.

Hopefully it is not too long before we see Barnes back in full training, then we can get him back in the side and firing in black and white. The 25-year-old has so far only managed seven appearances for Newcastle United, scoring one goal and providing one assist.