'Very soon' - Newcastle United set for double injury boost as duo due to train this week

Newcastle United duo Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are "very close" to returning to training, according to head coach Eddie Howe.

The Magpies have been without Targett since the beginning of November after he underwent surgery on the hamstring injury picked up during the 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Manchester United. Anderson, meanwhile, has been unavailable for the past four months because of a stress fracture in his back.

United's injury list has hit double figures at times this campaign but it seems there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. Asked about Targett and Anderson on Friday, Howe said: “They’re a little bit closer. Still not seen them training but they are due back very soon. That’ll be a huge boost for us.”

According to The Telegraph, both players are scheduled to train this week.

Newcastle have gone months with only three fit senior central midfielders in Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley but Joe Willock's comeback and Anderson's imminent return will significantly bolster that area. Targett's return comes at a time where United's left-back problems have been well documented.

Howe's side welcomed back Alexander Isak and Joe Willock for last Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Isak had missed the previous three games with a recurring groin issue but was passed fit to start at the Emirates and got 64 minutes under his belt.

Willock was introduced as a second-half substitute in his first appearance since November and went on to net a consolation goal when he headed home Dan Burn's cross.

Howe told NewcastleWorld: "I think Joe's cameo was excellent and I think again he showed exactly what we've missed from him and his qualities of attacking the box late and getting goals.

"Alex's return was a huge positive and hopefully improved for that 60 minutes. Apart from that I'm struggling to find too many more [positives]."

Newcastle visit Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday before welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers to St James' Park on Saturday.