'Getting closer': Eddie Howe says £12m man is close to a return to action after 2 months out

Eddie Howe spoke to the media this morning ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow at St James' Park.

The Magpies saw three big names return to the team sheet last week, albeit on the bench with two of those making it on to the field late in the game.

Joelinton and Miguel Almiron got some minutes under their belts with Joelinton finishing the game with the second-most tackles of anyone in the game despite only being on the pitch for around 20 minutes.

Nick Pope had to make do with watching the whole game from the bench, but we expect he will be involved tomorrow.

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Kieran Trippier has been MIA for far longer than expected

One man who was expected to return against Burnley but was once again nowhere to be seen was Kieran Trippier.

The £12million signing from Atletico Madrid has been 'close' to a return since the day he picked up his calf injury back in March, but his return keeps getting pushed back.

Today, though, Eddie Howe gave a positive-ish update on Trippier, but we're not holding our breath that he'll be involved tomorrow.

Trippier may be involved tomorrow

Howe confirmed that the vice-skipper had trained with the squad this week after doing some solo training out in Dubai recently, but it still doesn't sound like he's ready for a return to action, (via The Chronicle).

"He's getting closer. He's trained this week for the first time with the group which is brilliant. You can see the strength of the group returning with key figures back. He trained well, it's been a good week for him and we'll make a decision on him today."

Of course, this is Eddie Howe we're talking about so Trippier could be the first name on the team sheet tomorrow after doing a tractor pull on the training ground today, you just never know with him.