‘He’s been missed’ - Unsung Newcastle United star on the verge of early return from injury

Jonjo Shelvey is set to train with his Newcastle United teammates on Friday as he edges closer to a return from injury.

The 30-year-old hasn’t kicked a ball since the pre-season defeat to Benfica after undergoing hamstring surgery in London.

Shelvey was given an initial timeframe of three months before he could return to action, however the midfielder has progressed rapidly through his recovery.

“Jonjo, I’d say, is ahead of schedule,” Howe told reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brentford. “He’s hopefully going to be involved with us in training today for the first time.

“There will still be a bit of caution from me and the medical team as to when he’s ready to play, but he’s certainly making positive strides at the moment.”

With the Premier League breaking for the Qatar World Cup in mid-November, Shelvey wasn’t expected to return until the Boxing Day clash at Leicester City.

An early return will be more than welcomed with Howe believing Newcastle have missed the midfielder.

“Sometimes, you can take them (players) for granted when you’re with them every day and performing in the team,” Howe said.

“When they’re not there then suddenly you miss their skills and expertise.

“Jonjo’s got real strengths for us, that when he’s in the team and playing well, we miss.

“His range of pass, his eye for a pass and his execution of that is of the very highest level.

“I think there’s definitely been games and times during the period where he’s been missed.”

Shelvey, whose contract expires at the end of the season, needs to play three just three games to activate an automatic 12-month extension.