Mikel Merino returns to Tyneside to step up his Newcastle comeback


Merino has missed the club's last two games, both 1-0 defeats, with a back problem.
And a report in Spain earlier this month claimed that the midfielder could be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
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Hide AdHowever, speaking last week, United manager Rafa Benitez simply said Merino, signed on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund last month, would be out for "at least two weeks".
"Next week it will be more clear how long he is out for, but a couple of weeks at least for Merino," said Benitez.
Benitez will give an injury update on Merino at a press conference this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
A video posted on Twitter by @CarruselNavarra yesterday showed Merino doing some light ball work at former club Osasuna.
It claimed that the 21-year-old would return to Newcastle today to continue his rehabilitation.