Newcastle United striker ruled out of Southampton clash as midfielder not '100% match fit'

The Magpies endured an injury crisis last season as a result of the extra games and finished 7th in the table. This time around United aren’t in Europe, something they will look to use that to their advantage.

In pre-season, Howe has welcomed back the likes of Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Joelinton while Sandro Tonali has benefitted from behind-closed-doors matches ahead of his return on August 28. The only new absentee is Callum Wilson, who required an injection in his back after sustaining the issue during the trip to the Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach.

Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined with ACL injuries, and Lewis Miley is recovering from a fractured metatarsal. Matt Targett is back in training having last played in November because of a hamstring then Achilles injury.

“We're definitely in a better position than we were [last season],” said Howe. “We've got Nick Pope back fully fit. Joe Willock is in a lot better place, I wouldn't say he's 100% match fit. He's had two games, trained well but he's certainly on the road to being back to the player we all know and love.

“Several other players are in a lot better physical condition than last year - we've got Sandro [Tonali] obviously close to returning but we still have the legacy of the injuries from last year with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman.

“We lost Callum during the early stages of pre-season, Lewy Miley, Matt Targett is making his early steps back, he's trained this week which has been brilliant and he's trained really well. We've still got work to do but we're very much in a better place.”

Wilson will miss the opener against Southampton but is nearing a return, according to Howe. That could be the Carabao Cup tie away to Nottingham Forest or the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on September 1.

Howe revealed: “Callum will be early season, a couple of games in I think. He’s making really good progress. He feels good and wants to push a bit faster but we’re just trying to manage his comeback.”