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Newcastle United received an unexpected injury boost on Friday, ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool, with news that Joe Willock is in contention to return to the team.
The midfielder sustained a calf injury during a pre-season match against Team K League last month and has not featured since. The former Arsenal man was absent against Aston Villa last week but stepped up his recovery and should be in line to face the champions at St James’ Park on Monday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, manager Eddie Howe said: “Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well.
“When he went down in the game [in South Korea], I thought he was going to be out longer term; it didn't look good. Credit to him - he's got back fit and looking good.”
That could mean the Magpies have no injury concerns heading into Monday’s clash, while Howe’s selection options will also be improved by the arrival of Jacob Ramsey.
The midfielder signed from Villa earlier this week for a fee of up to $53 million and could make his debut against Liverpool.
“He'll be available,” said Howe. “We've still got training sessions to go before the game but he's in a good place and has looked really impressive in his first couple of days - really, really good technically, very intelligent and I think he'll add a lot to the team. He has standout qualities.”
While Newcastle is not short of options heading into its first home match of the season, one major absentee remains: Alexander Isak.
Howe confirmed the Swedish star, who remains a transfer target for Liverpool, won’t be involved on Monday.
“He's contracted to us, he's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. But he won't be and that's regrettable.
“If Alex wanted to come back and play for us the players would welcome him,” added the former Bournemouth boss, who claimed there is still a way back for the self-exiled forward.
“The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There is always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week's time. I hope I can work with him again.”
Without Isak - and given Newcastle’s inability still to sign a new striker in the transfer market - Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line on Monday night.
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