Newcastle could now have ‘huge’ player back from injury against Fulham on Saturday

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In a week that Newcastle United lost Joelinton for the rest of the season, Eddie Howe finally got some positive injury news.

While Joelinton is now sidelined for months after undergoing surgery, one of Newcastle’s long-term absentees could make his long awaited return on Saturday night. The Magpies are off to the capital, as they prepare to face Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round.

Eddie Howe will put out a strong team, and his squad could potentially be boosted by the return of Jacob Murphy.

The 28-year-old has not featured since the 1-0 win over Arsenal back in November due to a shoulder injury, and has been a big miss during his 15-game absence.

But it was hoped that he would be back in time for Saturday’s FA Cup tie, and the latest news from Eddie Howe is certainly positive.

Eddie Howe welcomes Jacob Murphy back to training

Howe has spoke to the media ahead of Newcastle’s game against Fulham, and provided an encouraging update on Murphy’s fitness.

“Jacob [Murphy] has trained, and he has looked good,” he said.

“That is a big positive.

“Apart from that, no one else has trained. Harvey [Barnes] and Callum [Wilson] are showing good signs.”

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie added on X that it sounds like the winger could make his comeback this weekend.

Huge boost for Newcastle United

Ever since Murphy was struck down with a shoulder injury, Newcastle have been short of options out wide. Howe has only been able to pick Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron, leading to both players becoming burned out.

But now Newcastle will have another option in attack, meaning Howe will finally be able to influence a game using his bench. That has simply not been possible for the past couple of months due to the amount of injuries.

However, there is suddenly light at the end of the tunnel. Murphy is back in training, and hopefully he is soon followed by Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes. Get that trio back and suddenly our squad is looking so much stronger.

For now, Murphy is the only one that is back in full training, and that could lead to him featuring against Fulham on Saturday night. Howe is delighted, having previously described Murphy as a ‘huge‘ player.

He certainly has been a massive miss, but his time on the sidelines looks to be over.