Newcastle United star ‘touch & go’ for Man United final - but £12m man set for timely return

Newcastle United will make a late decision on Joe Willock’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Eddie Howe was without the former Arsenal midfielder for the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend after he picked up a hamstring injury at Bournemouth seven days earlier.

It was initially feared Willock would be sidelined for a longer period but a scan revealed minimal damage. Encouragingly, Howe did not rule the 23-year-old out of Wembley, though admitted the player is currently “touch and go”.

The United head coach said: “Joe Willock will probably be touch and go during the week. He’s improved, (it will) probably be a late decision on him.”

Matt Targett is set to return to the matchday squad for the first time since Boxing Day after recovering from a heel injury.

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The left-back played an hour for under-21s in a 4-1 friendly win over Brentford B on Saturday, and the £12million summer signing helped himself to a goal and assist.

“Certainly, Matt Targett’s improved a lot,” said Howe. “He had a game at the weekend. We thought it was wise to leave him out of the game, and really pleased with his fitness.

“I was really pleased with what he did, so I’d say yeah, he’ll be available for selection.”

Asked about Targett last week, Howe added: “We’ve definitely missed Matt. First and foremost, he’s a great player, a great character, a very, very consistent trainer, and someone who goes about his business in a very professional way.

“(They’re) very different attributes to Dan, and in his own right is an outstanding player. Having him back is a great boost for us.”

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