Newcastle United look to have survived the World Cup break with almost a clean bill of health ahead of domestic football returning to our screens next week. The Magpies sent six players to the Qatar showpiece with everything crossed they would come back injury-free for the Premier League return on Boxing day.
Newcastle forward Callum Wilson had to shake off a small knock during England's knockout campaign but trained with the Three Lions the day before France brought their campaign to an end. The rest of the St James' Park players in the Middle East look to have escaped without any fitness issues.
Joelinton and Chris Wood both limped off during Newcastle's 5-0 win over Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia last week but Eddie Howe has moved to play down the severity of those problems. “I think Chris has just got a back problem,” the Newcastle boss said.
READ MORE: Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp reap rewards of Newcastle United's final mistake under Mike Ashley
“I don’t think it’s too bad. Joelinton felt a tightness in his hamstring. I don’t think it’s a pull or anything. Fingers cross, they’re not too bad.”
The same can't be said for Newcastle's top four and title-chasing rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners suffering a hammer blow as Gabriel Jesus suffered medial ligament damage during Brazil's clash with Cameroon in the World Cup group stages.
The striker hit the ground running upon arriving at the Emirates in the summer but now faces up to three months on the sidelines as Arsenal try and cling on to top spot in 2023. Mikel Arteta's side are currently seven points clear of Newcastle.
Elsewhere, Manchester City star John Stones went down in the closing stages of England's defeat on Saturday and looked to be in pain as he hobbled back to the dressing room. A further update is yet to be released by Pep Guardiola or Gareth Southgate but City may need to call upon their vast reserves in defence when club football returns.
Newcastle will be hopeful to avoid any late fitness scares as they welcome Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano to Tyneside on Saturday. “We’ll take it on an individual basis because it’s a difficult one to predict,” said Howe, when asked about returning World Cup players.
“The individual player, how much football they’ve played at the World Cup, could potentially have a bearing. Speaking to all the players, I know they’re very keen to come back and join us very quickly, but of course, we have to get the balance right."
READ NEXT
Newcastle owners are about to see something special as 'extremely busy' stadium message sent
Bruno Guimaraes' emotional words will reassure Newcastle as wounded animal set to be unleashed
Newcastle's secret manager meeting and the unthinkable Alan Shearer talks
Kieran Trippier's response after Pickford tried to embarrass Newcastle star in front of Beckham
Newcastle unearth talents who all have got 'something to offer' including exciting 16-year-old
