Newcastle United injury boost as key man arrives at St James' Park - has been out for five weeks

Dan Burn is back in Newcastle United's matchday squad for this evening's Champions League clash at home to AC Milan.

Burn has missed the last five weeks after picking up a back injury in the 1-0 win over Arsenal on November 4. But as revealed by NewcastleWorld on Tuesday, the 31-year-old has returned ahead of schedule and will be on the bench tonight.

The Blyth-born defender was pictured walking into St James' Park alongside teammate Sean Longstaff ahead of the match. Martin Dubravka is also in attendance, despite battling illness in the build-up to the game.

And to complete the set, Anthony Gordon is also in the squad. Fears emerged when Gordon, Longstaff and Dubravka missed training on Tuesday but the trio are available.

Newcastle must beat Milan and hope Paris Saint-Germain drop points away to Borussia Dortmund in order to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Avoiding defeat against the Serie A giants will see United claim a Europa League spot while a loss results in exiting Europe altogether.

“As hungry as you can be," United boss Eddie Howe said when asked how hungry are you and the players to stay in European football. We are fiercely determined to try and go through.

"Champions Leagues first and foremost and we want to keep a positive feeling and positive momentum with our season, so every fibre and part of us wants to do that. We are looking forward to this test.”