Newcastle United star set for late fitness test v Chelsea as triple selection boost confirmed

Newcastle United will have Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea (kick-off 3pm).

Almiron withdrew half an hour into the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth last time out because of a hamstring injury. As a result, the winger pulled out of the Paraguay squad but the two-week break has allowed him time to recover.

There was a slight concern surrounding Schar and Trippier.

Schar, who looked to be carrying a hamstring injury against the Cherries, linked up with Switzerland but was left out of the matchday squad versus Israel and was an unused substitute for further matches against Kosovo and Romania.

Trippier, meanwhile, played a full 90 minutes for England as they beat Malta 3-0 at Wembley last Friday. However, he withdrew from the squad ahead of the second game in North Macedonia because of a personal matter.

But the trio are set to start against the Blues.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: "We've worked with a very small squad but we've worked well. The majority of players came back to training yesterday (Thursday) so it was good to see the group back together. We're ready for the game.

"Fabian was more precautionary rather than any injury. We saw him yesterday and he seems good. And Miggy has worked well since his hamstring [injury].

"Kieran's fine. He's trained with us since returning from England. He's in a good place."

Meanwhile, club-record signing Alexander Isak is expected to be available, despite Howe's coy response.

When asked about the Swede, Howe said: "I don't want to give too much away.

"I think we have the majority of players we spoke about previously with longer-term injuries. We're looking at probably January for a few of them and a couple of others that are sooner. We hope they can be back involved and help us through December."

And a late check will be made on Sean Longstaff, who sustained an ankle injury on the South Coast.

"Sean will be one of those players we're analysing and checking."