Eddie Howe shares update on injuries ahead of crunch clash with Manchester United

Newcastle United head to the Theatre of Streams tomorrow to hopefully rain on Manchester United's parade.

Newcastle could open up a six-point gap between them at Manchester United, although a draw would be enough to guarantee that the Magpies finish higher than the Soggy Devils for the first time in Premier League history.

Both sides have got more than their fair share of injury issues, although you'd have to say that Man United's is currently worse than ours, but we do have a lot of players who are nowhere near 100%.

Eddie Howe spoke to the media this morning ahead of tomorrow's game and he gave an update on the players making their comebacks after layoffs.

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Kicking off with Alexander Isak who was withdrawn during the 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, Eddie Howe says he wasn't feeling 100% on the day and it showed in his play. He still hasn't trained, but he's hoping he'll be back today so he can make an assessment on whether or not to play him tomorrow.

It's a similar story with Callum Wilson who wasn't included in the squad on Saturday as relayed by The Chronicle.

"We haven't seen Callum yet so we'll see if he's available to train today. If not, I'm sure he'll be fit for Brentford."

Other players who may or may not make it into the starting lineup include Joelinton, Nick Pope and Miguel Almiron, all of whom are making their return after lengthy layoffs.

"It's nice to have those options. I need to look at them individually, I can't lump them together. Joey's was a serious injury and required an op. I need to make sure he's the Joe we know. Not someone who is trying to find his rhythm.

"It's the same with Miggy and Nick. They're vital. Their presence is vital."

Howe also gave an update on Sean Longstaff who had been playing through the pain for most of the season, needing injections before matches to get through.

"I do believe he's [Longstaff] still aware of the injury that he had. As far as I'm aware, I don't think he's having those injections still. I think he's been feeling better physically. He's doing a lot of attacking work and finishing work with the coaches and is benefitting from that - as is Bruno [Guimaraes]."