Craig Hope says Alexander Isak and Joe Willock could return from injury to face Arsenal

Journalist Craig Hope has a habit of being first to the bad news surrounding Newcastle United and often chooses late-night posts to unleash it.

This time the Daily Mail journo has waited until darkness fell over this fine land to share some exciting news that Newcastle fans are going to love.

Newcastle travel to Arsenal on Saturday night for an 8pm kick-off live on TNT Sports, doing so off the back of a disappointing draw against Bournemouth, a game in which Eddie Howe used three different midfielders in a centre-forward role due to having no fit strikers.

Joe Willock and Alexander Isak are both back in training

That could be about to change for Saturday's tricky fixture after this update from Craig Hope.

Hope shared that Alexander Isak and Joe Willock both took part in training yesterday and could be fit to play some part in the game against Arsenal at the weekend.

"I’m told Alexander Isak & Joe Willock both trained today."

"Huge boost for NUFC if they come through next few days & make squad for Arsenal, as looks likely"

Isak's return is no surprise but Willock is a huge boost

Isak was touch and go for Bournemouth but ultimately missed out, so it's no real surprise that he's in contention to face the Gunners, but having Joe Willock back would be a massive boost.

The relentless energy and indeed pace that Joe Willock brings to the table has been sorely lacking in our midfield lately with the trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff not exactly known for their lightning speed.

It's unlikely that Willock will play much more than half an hour given it's a second attempt at a return from a lengthy lay-off, but just seeing his name on the teamsheet will give us hope of a brighter future.