Newcastle boost as star signing returns to training ahead of Everton clash

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that Yoane Wissa has returned to training ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Everton.

The Magpies travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this Saturday for a 5.30pm kickoff looking to turn around their poor away form this season.

Wissa could make his debut almost three months after signing for the club from Brentford after recovering from a knee as he joined squad training for the first time.

Newcastle United star signing Yoane Wissa returns to training

“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday so I was really pleased with how he looked,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference. “That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he responds today.”

Howe was reluctant to put a date on his potential return, however. “We’ve got one in mind, but it’s probably best if I keep that to myself. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Of course, we want to involve him as soon as possible.”

While Wissa could be involved against Everton, Sven Botman is a doubt for the match as he is “nursing a back problem in the last few days”.

Kieran Trippier has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury, while Emil Krafth is likely to sit out this weekend’s game with a minor knee problem.

“[Trippier] had a scan on his hamstring, I think it’s roughly around a month, give or take,” Howe added. “That’s the diagnosis. Fingers crossed we can get him back quickly.

“[Krafth] came back from international duty with a knee issue, but I don’t think it’s anything too serious. He had a scan, which came back pretty good. Whether he’s fit for this game, it’s probably too soon.”

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