Eddie Howe confirms two Newcastle United players could return to training ahead of Brighton

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could receive a double injury boost for the FA Cup clash with Brighton.

The Magpies welcome the Seagulls to St James’ Park on Sunday, as they prepare to do battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Newcastle could rest Alexander Isak again, after he missed the midweek defeat to Liverpool. However, Isak should be fit for the Carabao Cup final on March 16th.

That is excellent news, while Eddie Howe’s squad could now be about to get even stronger as the Wembley showcase against Liverpool looms.

Joelinton and Sven Botman injury update

Ahead of Newcastle United’s FA Cup game against Brighton, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media.

He has provided fitness updates on Joelinton and Sven Botman, who are both pushing to be available for Sunday’s cup contest.

“They they have a chance [to play against Brighton],” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.

“I’d say again today is a big day for them really because I think we’ll see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not.

“But knowing both players they’ll be very keen to be involved as long as their respective injuries feel good.”

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

Joelinton more likely to play against Brighton than Botman

Ahead of the game against Liverpool, Howe said Botman and Joelinton were close. However, they cannot have been that close if they are still yet to return to training.

But their returns could now be imminent, and it will hopefully mean they are both involved against Brighton.

Joelinton features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle XI to face Brighton, after missing the Magpies’ last five games. It was previously reported that Joelinton will return against Brighton.

That is a big boost, as he needs to be in the starting XI against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Returning on Sunday gives him a couple of games to regain his sharpness after a knee issue.

As for Botman, the situation is a little bit more delicate. It has still not been long since he recovered from a long-term knee injury, and the Newcastle physios will call for caution.

But Howe will want more options at centre-back, especially with Fabian Schar struggling for form in recent weeks.

Given how well he did in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a lot of Newcastle fans are eager for Botman to get back in the side. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen.