Joe Willock issues Newcastle United injury tease after Eddie Howe & Paul Mitchell updates

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Joe Willock has teased a quick return from injury as Newcastle United prepare for their next batch of fixtures.

Willock made his first start since April in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest on August 28 and opened the scoring just 18 seconds in. However, his evening was cut short in the 15th minute when he picked up a thigh injury.

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The former Arsenal man missed the majority of last season with a recurring Achilles issue. It left head coach Eddie Howe fearing the worst immediately after the match, which United won 4-3 on penalties, but he provided a more positive update a couple of days later.

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Speaking ahead of the 2-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Howe said: “Joe had a scan [on Thursday], an early scan, it is relatively good news. I don’t think it is a serious injury, but it is early, so we will re-scan again in a few days just to confirm that.”

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell then appeared to give an update on Willock’s second scan when he addressed journalist a week ago.

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Mitchell said: "I think one thing that has been maybe underplayed is we don't have a very difficult European-positioned game in the week.

“Last year, I think all you guys would say, really caused us a lot of problems. And we have a squad availability last year that was at some points in the season 55 per cent. That's nearly half of your players injured. 

"And if you look at the quality of players, let's say from starting XI, Harvey Barnes, Joelinton, Joe Willock. I know he got injured against Forest, but we all saw what he can bring to this team. He'll be back very soon.”

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Willock has since backed up Howe and Mitchell’s updates. On Tuesday evening, the 25-year-old uploaded a video to Instagram of him being put through his paces - running and sprinting with the ball at his feet.

The visit to Wolves on Sunday could come too soon for Willock with the clip suggesting he is still training individually. The next game is Fulham, which would give the midfielder an extra week to recover.

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