Eddie Howe sees quartet return to full fitness in time for Manchester United clash

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United reatcs during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on October 16, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Newcastle United have been granted a huge fitness boost ahead of their meeting with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Magpies host the Red Devils at St. James’ Park this weekend in a Premier League outing that will be pivotal to this season’s top-four battle.

A win for United sees them further cement their place in third, though a loss means their opponents will leapfrog them, and Erik ten Hag’s side would consequently drop down to fourth through goal difference.

The reverse league fixture between the sides ended a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford back in October, however, the Reds overturned Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley last month in the Carabao Cup final, so they’ll likely be more confident heading into the game.

Newcastle granted fitness boost

Eddie Howe has seen his squad bolstered with the return of four key players though; Nick Pope will start between the sticks despite pulling out of the England camp over the international break.

Similarly, Sven Botman is training with the team but he was also forced to cut international duty with the Netherlands short after picking up an illness.

Callum Wilson is back to full fitness, as well as Allan Saint-Maximin, who was causing problems on the wing for Diogo Dalot in the League Cup final, so Ten Hag may opt to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the get-go.

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