Alexander Isak latest as Newcastle United handed triple injury boost

Joelinton and Chris Wood have trained ahead of Newcastle United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm).

There was some minor concern surrounding the pair following their withdrawals during the 5-0 win over Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal last Thursday.

Wood went off with a back problem on 28 minutes before Joelinton left the field early in the second half after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.

However, both players look set to be in contention this weekend after being captured in training by the club’s photographer.

Also back in training was long-serving winger Matt Ritchie. The 33-year-old has been sidelined with a calf issue since September but is nearing a full recovery.

Matt Targett and Karl Darlow also trained as normal after missing the Al-Hilal clash in Riyadh through illness.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak was not spotted in the latest training images released by the club.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe ruled the 23-year-old out of the friendlies against Al-Hilal and Vallecano, and admitted there was a possibility he might not return in time for the season restart.

Newcastle host Howe’s former club Bournemouth in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before returning to Premier League action away to Leicester City on Boxing Day.

“He’s doing well,” Howe said. “This was the plan. We didn’t expect him to train with the group when we first started training so he’s with the sports scientist team and physios.

“We are building him up in a controlled way and we expect him to be very close for Bournemouth or Leicester, we’re not sure if he’ll be fit or available for those games yet.

“There’s no setback. There was an initial setback when he re-injured his thigh and as a consequence of that we just want to make sure we get him fully fit.”