Long-term absentees Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson were pictured in full training ahead of their anticipated Newcastle United return. Both players have been sidelined in recent months, with the latter not featuring since the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in December.
Trippier broke his metatarsal in the 1-0 win against Aston Villa in February and was always expected to return before the end of the campaign. Eddie Howe hinted at a possible comeback for the defender following last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
He said: “We’ll see how his training week progresses. Yes, that training session was yesterday (Friday), so he was never going to be in contention to play (against Liverpool). We’ll see how he progresses during the week.”
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The Magpies boss had previously suggested Trippier would return before Wilson but the striker’s recent comments - and today’s training pictures - suggest otherwise. Speaking to the Footballer’s Football podcast, the number nine announced his comeback after five months in the physio room and a subtle hint on Instagram.
“I am fully charged now,” Wilson said. “I think it (his Instagram hint) was a subtle indication that I’m back, without saying I’m back. It was a little reel of my goals and stuff like that.
“It was more for myself for personal use, but it was quite good and I thought I’d share it with my Instagram followers. I'm back now, training, so it's been a good week. It’s been a long time coming but we’re there. We’re there!”
With the threat of relegation now redundant, Howe has the luxury of easing his star men back into the side to avoid aggravating another injury. It is uncertain whether either will feature against Manchester City this weekend but these latest pictures indicate an imminent return.
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