The return of Joe Willock is a big lift for Newcastle – opinion

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Joe Willock is set to return for Newcastle United against Everton on Thursday. The midfielder was ruled out of the Chelsea match last weekend due to illness along with Jonjo Shelvey.

Ahead of the game, Eddie Howe confirmed that Willock ‘should be ok’ for the trip to Goodison Park. However, Shelvey and Joelinton are doubtful of making their returns to the squad.

Willock has really turned it around since Howe’s arrival. When he joined last summer on a permanent deal he struggled to make an impact. But now he has two goals to his name and has become essential to the Toon midfield.

We may not see him from the start, but Willock could be a valuable option off the bench

Newcastle started with two in central midfield against Chelsea. Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes were called upon by Howe in the starting XI.

Both held their own in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. With the Magpies potentially missing Joelinton and Shelvey, Howe may want to stick with two in centre midfield.

Also with Willock just coming back from illness, the Toon boss might not think he’s ready to play the full game against Everton.

But even if he is starting on the bench, Willock could be effective against the Toffees. Bringing the Englishman off the bench in the latter stages could change the dynamic of the game.

The 22-year-old has proven in the past he’s got goals in him and will often make late runs into the box. Last season he scored in three consecutive games after coming off the bench. It kicked off his incredible seven-game scoring streak.

A fresh Willock coming up against fatigued Everton defenders could massively help Newcastle late in the game.

Despite the defeat last weekend, the Magpies will still have bags of confidence. They played well and deserved at least a point at Chelsea. Everton are also in terrible form, struggling to build momentum after they lost 3-1 to Newcastle last month.

The return of Willock and others will hopefully freshen up the side. It will certainly give Howe something to think about when he selects his starting XI on Thursday.