Newcastle United have welcomed Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson back into training ahead of this weekend's meeting with Manchester United.
United travel to St James' Park on Sunday for their first meeting with Newcastle since last month's Carabao Cup win. Erik ten Hag's side kick off a crucial two-month period in which they could play as many as 19 games across three competitions.
A meeting with the Magpies presents a huge challenge for those returning from international duties, with Eddie Howe's side currently fifth and still fighting for a Champions League place along with United and Tottenham.
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And they have received multiple fitness boosts with the key quartet spotted in training during the build-up. Botman has been a doubt since returning from international duty with the Netherlands due to illness, and despite concerns that he may not be fit for Sunday his return to training looks set to have eased worries.
Goalkeeper Pope also pulled out of international duty with England after playing through a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest with an unspecified injury, while Saint-Maximin was taken off at half-time in that clash with tightness in his hamstring.
Wilson missed the trip to the City Ground entirely after coming on as a substitute against Wolves the previous week. The 31-year-old had barely trained over the fortnight prior to the international break.
All three were spotted alongside Botman and the rest of their Newcastle teammates in training on Wednesday, with their availability for Sunday's welcoming of United now likely.
However one key omission was Anthony Gordon. The winger made his first start since joining from Everton for £45million in January but was forced off after 62 minutes with an ankle injury. He missed the following two games before the break and was not spotted in training, making him a doubt for Sunday.
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