Newcastle United go in search of a second consecutive Premier League victory as they look to further distance themselves from the relegation zone and move one step closer to securing their survival this season.
The Magpies were without five players for their 1-0 victory over Wolves last Friday as they pulled 10 points clear of the bottom three, while winger Ryan Fraser had to be hauled off during that game to add to Eddie Howe ’s injury woes.
But the 44-year-old has provided an update on the Scottish international ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leicester City, along with three other squad members, as the Magpies look for back-to-back victories.
Fraser started from the off against Bruno Lage’s side last Friday but was substituted after just 13 minutes with a hamstring injury and has failed to train this week as a result, leading Howe to reveal that the 28-year-old is a doubt for Sunday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “I don’t think it’s too bad. But it was enough to bring him off, we had a scan and it showed a very small problem. So hopefully it won’t be too long for him and we will have to see whether he makes this game.”
It would present another big blow to the Magpies, with Fraser impressing since the turn of the year with two goals and two assists in his last eight starts prior to Friday’s match against Wolves, meaning that Howe will most likely turn to Miguel Almiron to take his place on the right.
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Elsewhere, midfielder Joe Willock also missed last week's victory at St. James’ Park after struggling with a knee injury and then a bout of illness. The former Arsenal man has played an integral role in Newcastle ’s revival this year, forming part of a solid midfield three alongside Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton.
Willock was replaced by January signing Bruno Guimaraes in midfield last week, and although it is unsure as to whether he will regain his place in the starting XI this weekend, Howe has confirmed he hopes to have him available.
Howe added: “Joe has made good progress this week and has trained, we hope to have him fit. As I sit here now we have a bit of illness in the camp which has been with us most of the season so we are looking at that closely.”
The Magpies boss has also provided positive updates on the conditions of long-term injury pair Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson, who are both making good progress with their rehabilitation at the club, although no specific return date has been set for the pair as of yet.
On Trippier, Howe said: "Kieran is very slightly ahead of schedule. He's beginning to run back on the grass with his boots on so that's a great sign for us. He's still now got to build up his fitness but he's in a good place."
Howe also added: "Callum is now hitting balls towards the goal with no goalkeeper in. It's only against mannequins but he's gradually building up to where he wants to be so it's great to see."
