Newcastle United injury boost as key midfielder spotted back in training ahead of schedule

Newcastle United have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of tomorrow evening’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City (kick-off 8pm).

The Magpies have been without midfielder Joelinton since the September international break after he picked up a recurring knee injury with Brazil.

Joelinton has missed Premier League wins over Brentford and Sheffield United and the Champions League group stage draw in AC Milan but appears to be closing in on a return.

In the latest training gallery published by the club, the back of Joelinton’s head can be seen in a photo that shows Sandro Tonali hand-fiving head coach Eddie Howe.

Howe admitted last week the 27-year-old could return ahead of schedule having initially been ruled out until after West Ham United on October 8.

While the visit of Man City could come too soon for Joelinton, it does suggest a potential return against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon at the earliest.

Howe’s side play four games in the next 12 days - Man City, Burnley, Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham - so Joelinton’s immediate return is certainly a welcomed boost.

Newcastle have recently lost summer signing Harvey Barnes to injury with Howe expecting to be without the winger for “months rather than weeks”.