Newcastle United could welcome back Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson for Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Luton Town (kick-off 3pm).
The Magpies have without £38million summer signing Barnes since September when he sustained a toe injury in the 8-0 win at Sheffield United. Wilson, meanwhile has missed the last five matches because of a calf issue.
And United head coach Eddie Howe has hinted at their returns this weekend when asked if any players will be back in time for the visit of Luton.
Howe said: "There’s players close, getting there. Harvey Barnes would probably be the closest and Callum [Wilson] has been doing well but we haven’t seen him in training yet."
Wilson's comeback, in particular, would be well timed after Alexander Isak was forced off the first-half of Newcastle's 3-1 victory at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
Howe doesn't think the Swede's injury is serious but given his track record with calf problems this season, it feels unlikely that Isak will be risked against the Hatters.
“I’d like to say that was my decision [to bring him off] but no, that was Alex’s decision," said Howe. "He said he had to come off. We’re hopeful it is not a serious injury.
"It doesn’t look too bad but it’s very early to say that. We need a proper diagnosis and then assess where we are.
"It was a total surprise to me. I didn’t see any incident. He just signalled to me that he had to come off and I was very unsure what had happened. It was very much out of the blue."
If Wilson isn't fit then Newcastle will be left without a recognised senior striker. But that scenario comes as no surprise to Howe as his squad continues to be decimated by injuries.
He said: “I’ve got used to that. Our luck has been out all season really with injuries. It’s just been a catalogue. As soon as we get some kind of strength, something happens and we lose that strength.
"It was nice that we had Miggy [Almiron] to bring on the pitch today when Alex was injured but Miggy was only 50 per-cent fit really through his illness and I thought he did brilliantly to play as he did despite not feeling well. Let’s see when Callum is going to come back.
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2. Sandro Tonali - banned (out)
Tonali is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity. Possible return date: August 2024.
3. Joelinton - thigh (out)
Joelinton underwent thigh surgery in January and won't return until May at the earliest. Possible return date: May 2024.
4. Callim Wilson - pectoral muscle (out)
The Newcastle No.9 underwent surgery on his pectoral muscle and won't return until the latter part of the season. Possible return date: April/ May 2024.