Newcastle United might actually be able to make some meaningful substitutions very soon, as Eddie Howe has received some very encouraging injury news.
The Toon boss has been without various key players throughout the season, with Joelinton the latest to be ruled out. His season looks to be over, which is a massive blow for Eddie Howe.
However, his mood could soon be boosted with some long-term absentees nearing a return – one of which is Harvey Barnes.
Newcastle could soon have Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock back
According to the Daily Mail, Harvey Barnes could be available once again in a few weeks.
They state that Joe Willock will be fit to feature in the next two or three weeks, and that Barnes could actually be available before the former Arsenal midfielder.
We have barely seen what Barnes is capable of in black and white
Having both of those players back would be absolutely massive for the Magpies. They have missed the majority of the season, with Willock only managing to make six appearances so far. As for Barnes, he hasn’t done much better with seven appearances after his summer arrival from Leicester City.
The 26-year-old has not been able to have the impact he would have hoped, having sustained a strange foot injury during the 8-0 win over Sheffield United back in September. That was just his second start for the club, but he has not been seen since.
It has been a frustrating road to recovery for Barnes, but it appears that there is suddenly light at the end of the tunnel.
As cliche as it sounds, he really will be like a new signing when he returns. We haven’t seen much of him in a Toon shirt, and he will be keen to prove why the club were right to spend £39million on him.
As for Willock, he has been a massive miss this season. He hinted on social media this week that a return is on the horizon, which is music to the ears of Toon fans. He is an outstanding player, and someone who is rated so highly on Tyneside.
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