Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on nine players ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Magpies have been hampered with injuries throughout this season and are still having to cope without a number of first-team stars heading into the final few weeks of the campaign.
Despite the absence of as many as 11 players, Newcastle secured a convincing 4-0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their last match just over a week ago, boosting their hopes of securing European football for next season.
The Magpies have collected 10 points from their last six fixtures and have subsequently climbed to sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with seventh-placed Manchester United and two points clear of eighth-placed West Ham United, who have played two games more.
A tricky trip to high-flying Crystal Palace is up next for Newcastle, and ahead of Wednesday's contest, Howe has confirmed that up to five players could return from injury before the end of the season.
© Reuters
Howe delivers positive update on Newcastle quintet
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday morning, Howe said: "We're trying to get as many players fit for the games we have coming up. I think there's been some misleading stories that players are training and close to playing when they're not.
"I don't imagine a huge change in our squad for tomorrow's game but hopefully one or two players could come back."
Howe has confirmed that Callum Wilson has returned to training this week after missing the last 10 games in all competitions with a pectoral injury that required surgery in February, although it remains to be seen whether he will be selected in Wednesday's matchday squad.
"Callum has trained really well this week; it has been good to have him back," said Howe. "The energy and quality that he brings and he has come back looking really good. We anticipate he will be able to hit the ground running and make an impact for us.
"He's been able to focus on his legs and his running. Callum's game is very physical. He wants to get into those duels, that's one of his big strengths. So getting confident in those situations this week has been a big thing for him."
Howe has also revealed that Kieran Trippier (calf), Miguel Almiron (knee), Joelinton (thigh) and Nick Pope (shoulder) are all closing in on a return, but none of the quartet are yet to make an appearance in training.
"We hope so [that these players will return]," Howe added. "We hope all four could play [before the end of the season]. Difficult to give a definite date as none of them are training with the group just yet."
© Reuters
Willock, Miley ruled out for rest of season
Meanwhile, two players who will not feature for the Magpies anytime soon are midfield duo Joe Willock and Lewis Miley, as Howe has confirmed that both players will miss the rest of the season with respective Achilles and back injuries.
"We have decided that a period where [Willock] strengthens the area around his Achilles will benefit him more. The long-term view was taken, we will get him right for next season," said Howe.
"We went to see a specialist and they said we had a few options. He could continue to play but I think the longer-term view was taken.
"Surgery wouldn't be beneficial for him in this situation. It is frustrating for Joe, but hopefully we can get to the situation where he is playing freely next season."
On Miley, the Magpies boss added: "The decision was made on Lewis to protect him long-term. We won't see Lewis again this season. Even if there was a chance, we took that away quite early on with his age, we are just thinking about his long-term prospect.
"He's done brilliantly, but with the back problem he has, rest is the way to go."
© Reuters
Howe issues fresh update on Botman, Lascelles recoveries
Both Willock and Miley join defensive pair Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, who are recovering from long-term ACL injuries, in the treatment room.
Howe has issued a positive update on the recoveries of both Botman and Lascelles, saying: "Both players have dealt with [their injuries] well. Sven has had a bit of time in Holland so we haven't seen him in the last week or so. Jamaal has been regularly coming in to the training ground.
"Both players mentally have to understand their situation and look at the long term picture. It's difficult when you see that long stretch where you won't be available. Once you get your head around that, you have a different view on it. Both brilliant lads."
Meanwhile, there was no specific update from Howe on Matt Targett at his press conference, but it is understood that the left-back still needs time to recover from an Achilles problem that has kept his sidelined since the beginning of March.
Another absentee for Newcastle is midfielder Sandro Tonali who continues to serve his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. Howe has revealed that the club are "awaiting news" on the Italian's latest charge from the Football Association in relation to breaking 50 fresh betting rules.
No Data Analysis info
