Newcastle United drop hint on £25m midfielder's possible inclusion to face Arsenal on Sunday

On Friday morning Eddie Howe spoke to the gathered media and gave an update on Newcastle United's injury woes ahead of facing Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates.

Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman were all pretty much definitively ruled out, but Howe said he 'left the door open' for Joe Willock.

The £25 million signing from Arsenal has had a torrid time with injuries lately, and when his name was nowhere to be seen on the teamsheet to face Chelsea last week, many feared that his season was over.

In fact, many fans have suspected that it could have been his Newcastle career that was over, with calls to sell the 25-year-old growing louder.

Serena Taylor/newcastleunited.com

Joe Willock was heavily featured in the club's training gallery

This afternoon, however, the club posted their usual training gallery in which Joe Willock features quite heavily, suggesting that the former Arsenal man is ready to go against his old club.

Whether Eddie Howe puts him straight back into the team or sticks with the formation that he used to take on Chelsea, leaving Willock on the bench, we'll have to wait and see.

Given the chatter on social media about Joe Willock, we reckon most fans would prefer that he was left on the bench.

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on Joe Willock

Willock has been given many chances to put his stamp on the team, but has never grasped the opportunity with both hands, leaving fans wondering if it's his time he has moved on.

There's a talented player in there, nobody can deny that, but it's just not clicking for him under Eddie Howe, and with Crystal Palace reportedly interested, it could be time to cash in.

Although there's still every chance he could play on Sunday and tear Arsenal apart. You just never know what you're going to get with Willock, do you?