'Re-signing?' - Ex-Newcastle United defender spotted at St James' Park in eight-word message

A familiar face returned to St James' Park over the weekend.

Jetro Willems, who joined Newcastle United on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2019-20 campaign, was back on Tyneside on Saturday.

The Dutchman broadcasted his flying visit on social media by posting a photo outside of his former stomping ground with the caption "just a normal day (at my old office) #NUFC".

And given the Magpies' current injury crisis, supporters were quick to joke about the 29-year-old re-signing ahead of Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash at home to Chelsea.

With Lewis Hall ineligible to face his parent club, and both Dan Burn (back) and Matt Targett (hamstring) sidelined, United are without a recognised left-back against the Blues.

Indeed, that is just one of several selection issues facing Eddie Howe.

As it stands, the Newcastle boss is without another seven players, including Sandro Tonali (banned), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (toe), Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Javier Manquillo (groin).

Meanwhile, Sean Longstaff is a major doubt, although it is hoped Alexander Isak, Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron will be fit to return.

Willems made 20 appearances for Newcastle and scored against Liverpool and Manchester City before sustaining a serious knee injury in a Premier League match versus Chelsea.

It ruled the former Netherlands international out for almost a year but he didn't play competitively again until joining German outfit Greuther Furth as a free agent in August 2021.

Willems then returned to Holland with Groningen. He is currently under contract at Heracles Almelo, who sit 13th in the Eredivisie table.