Newcastle United face Brentford this weekend, and manager Eddie Howe has provided a positive injury update ahead of the game.
The Magpies have been enduring an injury crisis in recent weeks, but it looks set to be coming to an end.
Bruno Guimaraes was fit enough to start last week at Fulham and played well, while Callum Wilson was back too after a lengthy absence. He scored Newcastle’s opening goal of the 4-1 win.
However, there was a problem for Joelinton. He was an unused substitute at Craven Cottage, having not trained during the international break.
But it looks like he is fit to play a part this weekend, and he could be joined by Newcastle’s mercurial number 10.
Joelinton and Saint-Maximin in contention for Newcastle vs Brentford
Ahead of the game, Toon boss Howe has spoke to the media and provided fans with some exciting news.
On the 26-year-old midfielder, he said: “Joelinton has trained this week and he’s fine for tomorrow.”
That is the first bit of good news. It’s not a surprise given he was on the bench last week and has been pictured in training, but it’s nice to have it confirmed by Howe.
While having Joelinton back isn’t a shock, we could also see the return of Allan Saint-Maximin.
“He’s [Saint-Maximin] doing ok,” Howe said.
“He’s trained well this week and we’re pleased with him – he’s making good progress. There’s a chance he could be in the squad tomorrow.”
While it doesn’t sound like he will be fit to start, it will be a huge boost if the 25-year-old is able to be on the bench. If it’s a tight game where we’re struggling to create chances, being able to bring Saint-Maximin on could turn the game in our favour.
He has been a big miss during his absence, so it is exciting to see he is finally close to being back in the squad.
Positive injury update on Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Isak
There is also positive updates about two other Newcastle players. While Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Isak won’t be involved against Brentford, their returns might not be too far away.
Starting with Shelvey, he appears to be the closest out of the two to featuring soon.
Howe said: “His recovery is going very well. He’s ahead of schedule and he’s hopefully going to be involved with us today in training for the first time. There will still be caution as to when he’s ready to play but he’s making positive strides at the moment.”
The fact he is so far ahead of schedule is fantastic. At one point it looked like he wouldn’t be able to feature until after the World Cup.
His return in midfield will be a welcome one, especially as it will allow Bruno to play higher up the pitch.
As for Isak, Howe has also provided some good news on his fitness.
“He’s running on grass and increasing his speed so he’s in a good place,” he said.
“Hopefully it wont be too long. He suffered a muscle problem to his thigh and his scan wasn’t overly bad but the medical team are just being cautious with him at this moment.”
As long as Wilson is fit, Newcastle are right to be cautious with Isak. There is no need to rush him back and risk further injury.
But the fact he is back on the grass and running is good to hear. Hopefully it means we aren’t too many weeks away from Howe being able to field a full strength side.
He has been unable to do that this season, which makes our impressive start all the more encouraging. There is more to come from this Newcastle side, and that could happen in the near future with injured stars nearing a return.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
