Forgotten Newcastle United star pushing for early return from injury in huge boost

With Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson pushing for a return from injury, it’s easy to forget that Newcastle United also have another key player on the sidelines.

Jonjo Shelvey has been a noticeable absence from the Magpies midfield this season after he underwent surgery on a hamstring injury sustained during the pre-season defeat against Benfica.

It was initially thought that the 30-year-old - who needs to play three games to activate a one-year contract extension - wouldn’t return until after the World Cup break in November.

However, in an update from Eddie Howe, the former Liverpool man, who was named in the club’s 25-man Premier League squad, could indeed be back in action before then.

“We hope so, yeah,” Howe, speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth, said. “Jonjo’s making good progress. He’s out on the grass, he’s running. He’s looking good.

“He’s in really good physical condition, he’s looking after himself, so we anticipate that hopefully he won’t be too long.”

In Shelvey’s absence, Guimaraes has played the sitting role in Howe’s three-man midfield, while Sean Longstaff has stepped up in the Brazilian’s absence.

However, some may argue Guimaraes - and Longstaff - are more effective as No.8s, meaning the return of Shelvey is perhaps more important than what supporters realise.