Newcastle United major injury boost as ‘huge’ player spotted ahead of Champions League clash

Newcastle head into the match at St James’ Park (8pm kick-off) sitting top of their Champions League group following a 0-0 draw at AC Milan and a 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Dortmund are unbeaten so far in the Bundesliga this season but sit bottom of Group F having yet to score a goal in their opening two games.

Willock is closing in on a return to first-team action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 24-year-old midfielder has been out since May after picking up an initial hamstring injury against Brighton & Hove Albion last season before suffering a set-back with an Achilles injury.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe confirmed Willock returned to full training last week but wasn’t involved in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday as he builds his fitness up after more than five months out.

And on Tuesday morning, Willock was spotted in training with Newcastle as Howe’s side prepared for their third Champions League group stage match.

The midfielder is understood to be close to a return and even took to Instagram to post a small injury update as he wrote: “Nearly there.”

Speaking ahead of the Palace game, Howe admitted he was keen to see the midfielder back in action.

“I want him back,” he said. “He’s trained this week for the first time with the group but it’s probably a bit early to have him involved in the matchday squad but he’s getting closer and he’s a huge player for us.”