Allan Saint-Maximin is back in training with Newcastle United and in contention for the home clash with Brentford - and Alexander Isak is also moving closer to a return.
The French winger has not played since the 1-1 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in August after a hamstring injury. But after spending some time away from the group he is now back in the groove. Newcastle are also carefully assessing Joelinton after he missed the victory in London with a knee injury but he was fit enough to be on the bench and is eager to return.
Sweden international Isak was missing for the 4-1 win at Fulham but trained alone last week and is edging closer to training with his team-mates once again. Eddie Howe would have a new selection dilemma if both stars return soon after the emphatic win in the capital at Craven Cottage.
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Howe said: "Saint-Maximin trained with the team on Friday and trained well but for me it was too early to involve him at Fulham. We need to make sure when he comes back he is fit enough to do himself justice. Hopefully with a good week of training he cold be close."
Howe is also pleased to see Jonjo Shelvey edging closer to a return after a calf injury suffered in pre-season. Speaking on Joelinton last week, Howe said: "I wanted to protect him, knowing how important he is. He was there if we needed him in an absolute emergency, and my hand was forced with him."
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