Jamaal Lascelles provides positive Newcastle United injury update

The central defender suffered the injury in the Magpies’ win over Bournemouth at St James’s Park on November 9 – and initial fears had put the player out for months.

But after tests allayed those fears, Lascelles in looking at a January return.

“I’ve been doing quite a lot in the gym without loading too much, just trying to keep on top fitness and my strength,” Lascelles told United.

“I had quite a positive day on Thursday as I managed to jump on the Alter G treadmill - the treadmill which takes the weight bearing off you. Now I’ve started jogging again, hopefully I can carry on progressing from there.”

Last week Steve Bruce revealed Lascelles and Matt Ritchie could both be back within a fortnight.

He said: “Lascelles back at the turn of the year, Ritchie the same.”