Breaking: two of NUFC's key players are in with a chance of returning at West Ham on Sunday

Eddie Howe conducted his pre-West Ham United press conference at Darsley Park this morning and has provided an injury update ahead of the huge clash with the Hammers.

While two big names could play, four are definitely absent

The head coach says that while Joelinton and Callum Wilson, who both missed the superb 4-1 beating of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night due to hamstring issues, are still doubtful, they are in with a chance of featuring at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The fixture will come too soon for Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, and Joe Willock, however, due to their own injury problems, while Anthony Gordon is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-0 victory over Burnley last weekend.

On a more positive note, Howe says that only Barnes looks set to be absent "long-term", with Botman and Willock in with a chance of returning to training during the upcoming international break. Following the West Ham game, the Magpies don't play again until Crystal Palace visit Gallowgate on Saturday 21st October.

Thanks to Craig Hope of the Mail for the update:

Late fitness tests will be in order for Joelinton and Wilson

It's important to state that while Joelinton and Wilson could feature they will be subject to late fitness tests to assess their capacity to be part of Howe's squad at the London Stadium.

Both were said to be "close" to being involved against PSG, though, meaning the extra four days of rest and recuperation could have been just the tonic for their ailing hamstrings.

It doesn't appear that Newcastle are dealing with any fresh injury issues following Wednesday night's win either, thankfully, meaning the head coach still has plenty of options available to him.

Our number seven and number nine each scored a brace in this fixture last term, though, and we all know how much Wilson loves playing against the Hammers, in particular.

Wilson needs to be fit enough to dance, not just to play

If he is passed fit and manages to find the net again in East London, Wilson has promised Michael Antonion, his friend and co-host of the Footballer's Football Podcast, that he'll serve up the "Carlton" dance from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Wilson danced the Macarena last season at the London Stadium after opening the scoring in the sixth minute, much to the chagrin of the home fans.