Harvey Barnes provides teasing Newcastle United injury update after four months out

Newcastle United summer signing Harvey Barnes looks to be closing in on a return to action after providing a teasing update on social media.

Barnes, who joined from Leicester City in a deal worth £38million, has been sidelined since sustaining a toe injury during the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.

The winger was initially due to return in December but suffered a setback. United feared surgery might be required if the pain persisted but Barnes' latest update has offered hope that a comeback is just around the corner.

Uploading to Instagram on Thursday morning, Barnes posted a photo from the club's Benton training ground of him wearing his boots with a full battery emoji, suggesting a return is close.

Asked about Barnes before the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City last time out, United boss Eddie Howe told NewcastleWorld: "Harvey is getting closer. He hasn't trained with the group but he's been running on the grass, had his boots back on and kicking balls around. We're pleased with his progress currently but he still has a long way to go."

Newcastle visit Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday before travelling to Aston Villa in the Premier League three days later.

Murphy was back in light training prior to the Man City lost and has made good progress in his recovery from surgery on a dislocated shoulder in November.

The former Norwich City winger could be involved against Fulham, and Wilson could at Villa. The England striker has missed the last three games because of a calf issue and Howe has already named the visit to Villa Park as a likely return date.

Newcastle take on Luton Town a week on Saturday and then Nottingham Forest after, which could mark the return of Barnes and possibly Joe Willock.