Newcastle United star 'confirms' Champions League injury return v AC Milan in five-word message

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has seemingly confirmed he is in the squad for tonight's Champions League Group F decider against AC Milan (kick-off 8pm).

An ankle injury sustained in the 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth before the international break ruled the 26-year-old out of matches against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Everton before he made his comeback as a substitute in Sunday's 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Longstaff's involvement versus Milan this evening was plunged into doubt when he wasn't captured by the TV cameras in training on Tuesday. Eddie Howe then did little to play down fans' fears.

Anthony Gordon and Martin Dubravka were also missing and when asked if anything should be read into the players' absence Howe replied: "Yes and no, you can read whatever you want into it.

"We're two days after a game so we're obviously trying to manage players and we'll see who is fit for tomorrow. I've just given you nothing there!"

While Howe stayed predictably coy, Longstaff looks to have confirmed his place in the matchday squad by posting on X "let’s make this one count"

Longstaff is poised to make his first St James' Park appearance since the 1-0 win over Arsenal on November 4. The Geordie midfielder has started every Champions League match before missing the 1-1 draw in Paris last month.

Newcastle must beat Milan and hope PSG drop points away to 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.