Newcastle United training photos reveal £71m boost v Chelsea - but no sign of Alexander Isak

Newcastle United's international stars returned to training on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash at home to Chelsea (kick-off 3pm).

Less than 48 hours after featuring for Brazil in their heated 1-0 defeat to Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, both Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton were among the players pictured at the club's Benton training base.

After missing the Magpies' 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth last time out through suspension, Guimaraes is in line for an immediate return to the starting XI.

In the eight Premier League games the 26-year-old has missed since making his full debut in March 2022, United have failed to win, highlighting his importance in the side.

Also captured on the grass were Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier. There was a slight concern surrounding both players during the break.

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.

It's likely the pair will be named in the starting XI when Chelsea visit St James' Park.

And the same goes for Miguel Almiron.

The winger withdrew just half an hour in on the South Coast because of a grade-one hamstring injury. Fortunately for United, Almiron pulled out of the Paraguay squad and the fortnight break has been just enough for him to recover.

There was no sign of club-record signing Alexander Isak. The Sweden international has been sidelined for a month with a groin issue with the Chelsea match earmarked as a likely return date.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will provide a full injury update when he faces the media on Friday morning.