‘Superb’ Newcastle 25-year-old could play against Leeds on Saturday

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Newcastle United have been without Sean Longstaff for their previous two games, but there is now an outside chance that he returns to face Leeds.

Longstaff picked up an ankle injury during Newcastle‘s 4-1 win over Everton, and has not been seen since. He was unavailable for the win against Southampton, but there were suggestions that he could return against Arsenal.

That did not happen, amid fears that the injury was worse than first feared. However, it now appears that those fears were premature.

Sean Longstaff is a doubt to face Leeds, but there is a chance he could play

According to the Daily Mail, Longstaff has not suffered a serious injury and will play again this season.

The report adds that he is still a doubt for Saturday’s game against Leeds, but the 25-year-old does at least have a chance of featuring at Elland Road.

That is a huge boost for Eddie Howe, as Longstaff has been a vital player for the Magpies this season. Alan Shearer described him as ‘superb‘ earlier in the campaign, and he has been a big miss over the past couple of games.

His energy and work off the ball often goes unnoticed, but there is a glaring hole in the side when he is not there. It was evident when he did not start at Villa Park last month, and it was evident on Sunday when he was injured for the defeat to Arsenal.

With four games to go, Newcastle need one final push to get over the line and qualify for the Champions League. Longstaff’s return will be massively encouraging for Howe, who will be really keen to get Longstaff back in his side as soon as possible.

Saturday’s game at Leeds might come too soon, but there is at least a chance that he could make his comeback from an ankle injury this weekend.