Jonjo Shelvey is knocking on Eddie Howe's door to start their clash against Southampton at the weekend. But Howe may be cautious with the former Liverpool midfielder. Howe also has Elliot Anderson fit and in contention for the Saints clash.
Joelinton is suspended for the game but he was played further up the field against Aston Villa and that might mean a chance for Jacob Murphy. When asked if Shelvey was ready to step into midfield, Howe said: "Jonjo would probably say yes. He is certainly getting closer.
"This was his first full week of training. This is his second week of training so he is in a lot better place. Without that match exposure though. "We want to protect him from that and try to see him through to the World Cup break."
Howe only has long-term injuries for the likes of Emil Krafth, Paul Dummett, Alexander Isak and Matt Ritchie with Allan Saint-Maximin and Shelvey passed fit by the boss.
Howe said: "No new problems, a few bumps and bruises but nothing too bad."We've come through Allan OK after his little cameo.
"Jonjo is OK after his little cameo. So the strength of the group is slowly returning. I think we have Krafth, Isak and Ritchie still out. "Apart from that we are in a good place."
READ NEXT
The Joelinton landmark nobody noticed against Aston Villa
How Joelinton has shown us he is the true competitor
Newcastle have already found one of the best players that Allan Saint-Maximin has ever seen
Sven Botman issues scary Premier League warning amid verdict on facing Harry Kane and Son Heung-min
Newcastle United to issue 'hands off' stance on Bruno Guimaraes amid Chelsea and Real Madrid talk
