Newcastle United provide Joe Willock fitness update ahead of Everton amid recent illness

Joe Willock has returned to training after illness forced the midfielder out of Newcastle United’s starting XI against Manchester United.

The 23-year-old had started every Premier League game this campaign before falling ill in the build-up to the clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Willock travelled to the game separately from his teammates and was introduced for the final quarter of an hour during the goalless draw.

And having trained ahead of facing Everton, Willock comes back in contention to start with this the club’s second match in three days.

Howe said yesterday: "He is definitely better than he was last week and he should be training today.”

Willock played a big part in Newcastle’s back-to-back wins against Fulham and Brentford, however is yet to find the net this season.

The midfielder scored eight goals in 14 games during his half-season loan spell at St James’ Park in 2020/21.

However, since joining on a permanent basis from Arsenal for £25million, Willock has scored just twice in 39 league appearances.

“I think Joe is improving week on week,” Howe said. “He’s had high standards and expectations of himself. He wants to be a regular goal scorer and goal creator and that hasn’t quite happened yet. But he’s been in the positions and has been very close to scoring two or three goals.

“In training, he is a regular goalscorer and those moments will come in games. His athleticism and energy, his ability to get around the pitch, are a vital components of our team.”