Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson has teased his return from injury on social media.
Anderson suffered a stress fracture in his back in October and hasn't been seen in action since the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. While he is unlikely to feature at Nottingham Forest this weekend, the 21-year-old has taken to Instagram to post yet another encouraging fitness update.
Last week, Anderson posted a photograph of himself in Newcastle training gear and with a ball at his feet. This week, he has posted another training ground update showing himself carrying a training goal with his thumb up and the caption: "Final few steps."
The suggestion Anderson is close to a return will be a welcome boost for Eddie Howe and his squad after an extended injury crisis over the winter months. By the time he returns, the Newcastle academy graduate will have been sidelined for around four months.
Howe recently said about Anderson's injury: "Elliot is continuing his rehab from a stress fracture in his back. It’s been a difficult injury to manage for him and he’s not been very active for a long period of time, he’s trying to let his back heal.
Anderson has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle this season but is still eyeing his first competitive goal for the club. He has been fairly prolific in friendly matches for The Magpies and had a goal cruelly ruled out by VAR for offside in the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest last season.
As the young midfielder pushes to return to fitness, Howe is hoping to welcome back some other players from injury soon.
1. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday with a calf injury. It is hoped the injury is not serious with Trippier able to walk off the pitch himself. Expected return: TBC (March 2024)
2. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass and on the verge of returning. Expected return: Chelsea (A) - 11/03
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away. Expected return: Everton (H) - 03/04
4. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest and has undergone surgery. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05