‘Unique’ Newcastle United player is now back in training after injury

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It has been a long time since Newcastle United had a fully fit midfield.

Throughout the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign, at least one of Newcastle United‘s midfielders were always unavailable due to injury or suspension.

The likes of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Joe Willock missed huge chunks of the campaign, which massively hindered the Magpies. The former was the big money signing at £55million, while the latter two were essential in helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League the season before.

Despite having a lot of gifted midfielders, Eddie Howe rarely had more than three or four available at a time, and that trend has continued this season.

Joe Willock suffered an injury last month

After working so hard to get back to fitness, Joe Willock has suffered another injury. He was forced off during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest, sustaining a thigh problem.

The 25-year-old was devastated when he came off, hinting that another lengthy layoff was on the horizon.

However, it has since been reported that Willock has avoided a serious injury, and will be out for weeks rather than months.

Howe broke the news on August 30th, and it was the best news Newcastle fans got on transfer deadline day.

Joe Willock back in Newcastle United training

Now there is even better news regarding the ‘unique midfielder‘.

According to the Northern Echo, Willock returned to training at the beginning of the international break.

They report that he is still training on his own at the moment, but should be able to work alongside the rest of his teammates very soon.

It has been reported that Willock is a doubt for Sunday’s game against Wolves, but there will be hope that he could be fit for the following game – Fulham away on September 21st.

Newcastle just need Lewis Miley back once Willock returns

With Willock stepping up his recovery, it should not be long before Eddie Howe can pick the £25million man again.

Once that happens, Newcastle United will be incredibly close to having all of their senior midfielders available for selection.

When Willock returns, the only midfielder who will remain absent is Lewis Miley. He has not played for the Magpies since March, having suffered a back injury followed by a broken metatarsal.

It has been reported that Miley is making good progress, and could be back in time for the next international break in October.

Hopefully there are no more midfield issues once Miley is back, as Howe will no doubt be eager to rotate his side and rely on all six of his senior midfield options.