Miguel Almiron and Jonjo Shelvey are players Magpies fans are eager to see back in action – but will they return? Scroll down and click through the pages to see what Bruce had to say from his weekly press conference with the Premier League returning this weekend.
1. Injury news - key duo ‘have a chance’
“Almiron and Shelvey have a chance. Too early for Saint-Maxim, Ki and Clark, still struggling, Ritchie and Lascelles not there. From last week, Almiron and Shelvey have a chance. They trained yesterday. We haven’t seen them just yet, they seemed OK. Photo: Nigel Roddis
2. Almiron’s goal drought - is it an issue?
“We would love him to score more goals. He works every day as though it is his last. He is a wonderful professional. I have no problems with Almiron because of what he gives the team. If he scores great. At the moment I am very pleased with him.” Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. And what about Saint-Maximin?
“You always miss your good players, especially at the top end with him (Almiron) and Saint-Maximim missing. We paid a lot of money for the two of them, we brought them here to give us an edge. We missed them last week. Sometimes you become a better player by not playing.” Photo: Stu Forster
4. Jonjo Shelvey’s improved form
“Quietly had a word in his ear to say what I require, he has taken on board, done a bit of extra, he has the capacity to cover big distances and the rest will always look after itself ability-wise. He has been terrific and we missed him last weekend. Not just for goals but he can find a pass as well.” Photo: Alex Livesey