Newcastle United confirm huge injury boost ahead of Carabao Cup final v Manchester United

Newcastle United are set to have Matt Targett available for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United next Sunday.

The left-back has been sidelined since late-December with a heel injury but is on track to make a timely return at Wembley.

Targett, who joined permanently from Aston Villa last summer, played an hour for the under-21s in a friendly against Brentford B at the club’s training ground on Saturday afternoon, where he helped himself to a goal and assist.

The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 12th minute and delivered the cross that Remi Savage headed home before travelling to St James’ Park to watch his teammates lose 2-0 to Liverpool.

It’s been a frustrating campaign for the former Southampton academy graduate, a big contrast to the form he showed last season to turn his initial loan move into a £15m permanent switch.

A slight injury and then illness disrupted Targett’s start to the campaign. Dan Burn moved from centre-back to left-back, with his and the team’s form allowing the 30-year-old to nail down a regular spot.

But Howe believes Newcastle have missed Targett, who has made 12 appearances in 2022-23.

“We’ve definitely missed Matt,” said the Magpies’ head coach on Friday. “First and foremost, he’s a great player, a great character, a very, very consistent trainer, and someone who goes about his business in a very professional way.

“(They’re) very different attributes to Dan, and in his own right is an outstanding player. Having him back is a great boost for us.”

While Targett is unlikely to start, there’s a strong chance he’ll be named among the substitutes.