Newcastle receive injury boost with Matt Targett back in training

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Matt Targett has been pictured back in training ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

After the excitement of the Carabao Cup semi final, the Magpies must now turn their attention back to league action, where they face a relegation threatened hammers side at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe will have some new options available for the game, with January signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby available to make their debut.

They have both trained ahead of Saturday evening’s fixture, with Gordon no doubt eyeing the space in the side that is set to be vacated by Bruno Guimaraes.

The 25-year-old is suspended, meaning that Joelinton will probably move inside. That will create a vacancy on the left of attack, and Howe will likely choose between Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin.

They have both been pictured in training, and they have appeared alongside a man who hasn’t been seen since Boxing Day.

Matt Targett back in Newcastle training

The club released 69 official photos from Thursday’s training session to the official website, and there were some major absentees.

None of the players who started Tuesday night’s cup clash with Southampton were spotted, which was obviously by design. They should all be involved on Saturday night.

However, there was no Alexander Isak spotted. He suffered a head injury in the win over the Saints, and has said that he is ‘feeling fine’ after the incident. But the 23-year-old did not feature in any of the training photos released by the club. His absence is curious, as the other players who came on during the semi final were involved in training.

One man who is back is Matt Targett. The 27-year-old has endured a tough season, and was last in a Newcastle squad for the Boxing Day win over Leicester when he was an unused substitute.

The £15million man has since been out of action with a heel injury, but now appears to be closing in on a return.

That will be a big boost for Howe, as it gives him more strength in depth. However, Targett will do well to reclaim his place in the starting XI. Dan Burn is the Magpies’ undisputed left-back at the moment, and is enjoying a brilliant season.