'Full focus' - Injured Newcastle United star drops huge Everton return hint

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has teased a return from injury.

Longstaff has missed the last three matches against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United after picking up an ankle issue in the 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth before the international break.

Next up for the Magpies is back-to-back Premier League away trips to Everton on Thursday & Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and the 26-year-old appeared to hint at a comeback to his social media followers.

Reacting to Saturday evening's 1-0 win over Man United nearly 48 hours after the full-time whistle, Longstaff posted on X: "What a performance from the lads. Hope you enjoyed your weekend Mags and full focus now on Thursday!"

Newcastle fans too thought Longstaff was alluding to an immediate return. One supporter asked "You’re back?" while another replied: "'Full focus on Thursday' this a subtle hint that mean he's back".

Longstaff has made 17 appearances for United this campaign and netted three goals, the standout being his strike in the 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in October.

But the rise of 17-year-old Lewis Miley means Longstaff might not walk straight back into the starting line-up.

Miley has been a key part of the same XI that featured in Premier League wins over Chelsea and Man United, and that drew 1-1 against PSG in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Speaking about Miley last week, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “He’s had a taste of high-level football, which can only be a good thing for him.

"If he was a different kind of character I might question that but he’s not and I think he’s able to take everything in his stride. I don’t think he’d be able to give the performances he’s given if he wasn’t capable of doing that.

"For someone so young, he’s got a really good perspective on sport and life. He’s very calm, you wouldn’t know between games how well he’s doing but he’s just the same Lewy. Very respectful and keen to show his qualities.”