Newcastle United star won’t play against Everton unless in an ‘absolute emergency’

Newcastle United are unlikely to see Jonjo Shelvey in action against Everton - unless in an “absolute emergency”.

The Magpies midfielder was named in the matchday squad for the first time this season against Manchester United on Sunday.

Shelvey, who underwent hamstring surgery in August after sustaining the issue against Benfica in pre-season, was among the substitutes for the goalless draw.

Although the 30-year-old is back in and around the first-team picture, United head coach Eddie Howe is proceeding with caution when it comes to Shelvey.

“The key thing is he’s training,” Howe said. We are continuing to work him very hard.

“He’s still in the process and in the very early stages of coming back. He would only enter the pitch at the moment in an absolute emergency for us.

“We’re building his load and training time but he’s looking really good.

“He’s done very well to this point. It’s as fit as I’ve seen him and he’s in a great place but we just want to be careful with him in the latter stages of his comeback.”

Meanwhile, Howe has confirmed that Karl Darlow is “back on the grass” as he pushed for a return from a knee injury.

Darlow picked up the injury during training at the beginning of September, which prompted United to sign former Liverpool goalkeeper Lorius Karius as short-term cover.

“It’s going well,” Howe said when asked about the 32-year-old’s recovery. “He’s on the grass with the goalkeepers, not necessarily full training but again in the latter stages of his recovery. Positive signs for Karl.”