Newcastle United set for £91m triple injury boost v Arsenal after training photo

Newcastle United are set for a triple injury boost when they visit Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm).

Both Alexander Isak and Joe Willock are understood to have trained this week and are likely to be in the squad for the trip to the Emirates. Isak has missed the last three matches with a recurring groin issue, while Willock hasn't featured since November after sustaining a second Achilles injury.

After Callum Wilson underwent surgery on a pectoral injury last week, the Magpies were without a recognised senior striker for last weekend's 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth. That saw Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy rotate as the central striker.

Gordon scored from the penalty spot before Matt Ritchie netted a 92nd equaliser after Bournemouth twice led through Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo. Howe admitted Isak and Willock were "close" to making the squad, which hinted at a comeback for the pair in London.

"We were searching in the game to try and get a better balance to the team," he told NewcastleWorld. "We looked at different players in different positions to see if the match-ups would work better. It wasn't ideal. You're going to miss someone of Alex's qualities.

"He was close but not close enough, same as Joe Willock. Fingers crossed in the not too distant future they can play an important part for us."

The return of Willock will also Howe's midfield options with only Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes available for the last month or so.

Meanwhile, United have been boosted by the news that Fabian Schar has avoided an injury after the Switzerland defender used his shirt as a sling as he made his way off the pitch at full-time against Bournemouth. 

Schar has been spotted in training this week and is expected to retain his spot in the starting XI.