Eddie Howe says two Newcastle players are now close to returning to the first team

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Eddie Howe has suggested Newcastle United could be handed a big injury boost ahead of their trip to Blackburn tomorrow.

The Magpies have suffered an unexpected number of injuries this season but things are finally starting to clear up with just a few first-team players ruled out until the summer.

Speaking to the press this morning, Howe claimed that both Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are getting close to a return after months out with injuries.

Howe close to having a full strength Newcastle team

The beginning of the season when Newcastle had everyone fit and were comfortably beating Aston Villa 51 now seems like a lifetime away, especially for Howe who has already gone through a lot this season.

There are still some key members missing with Sandro Tonali banned until August and both Callum Wilson and Joelinton still out injured for the next few months.

But all Premier League teams have to deal with injuries and now, with Targett and Anderson coming back into the fold, Newcastle don’t really have any excuses for a poor run of form.

Ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup clash, Howe shared the positive news that the duo are getting closer to making their returns from injury which could be huge for the last run of games of the season.

On Anderson and Targett, Howe said: “They’re getting there. It’s been a long road for both of them. Matt’s injury was quite clear cut, a bad tear in his hamstring and an operation.

“Elliot’s had a very, very difficult injury because he felt OK but the scan said it was a stress fracture in his back so he had to give it a lot of rest. He’s worked really hard and has felt good. Both are close to returning.”

Howe finally has some different options

While the starting 11 has usually been of a very good quality for most of the season, it’s been the lack of options on the bench that has really been difficult for Howe, especially late on in games.

In the last few weeks Newcastle have welcomed back Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock who have both made huge impacts coming off of the bench, and Howe will be hoping Anderson and Targett can have a similar effect.

Anderson will be able to inject a bit of energy into a midfield which has sorely lacked a spark in the last run of games while Targett will give Dan Burn a run for his money after he was dropped for Newcastle’s trip to the Emirates.

Tino Livramento will still be an option down the left, but Howe would likely prefer to play him in his traditional position at right-back so it will be interesting to see if Targett is given a chance.