Matias Fernandez-Pardo has missed Newcastle United’s previous two fixtures due to illness.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is inching towards full fitness and could return to the Newcastle United setup tonight.

The Belgian has not featured since being withdrawn early in the second half against Aston Villa a fortnight ago. Matthias Jaissle revealed that Fernandez-Pardo - who cost £51million on deadline day - had been suffering from an illness.

That bug also ruled the forward out for the trips to Crystal Palace and Everton last week. However, there is a chance Fernandez-Pardo will return to action at St James’ Park tonight.

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Newcastle welcome the Toffees to Tyneside aiming to avenge the Carabao Cup defeat on Thursday. If passed fit, it remains to be seen whether Jaissle would risk throwing Fernandez-Pardo straight into the deep end.

He struggled to impress when leading the line before illness disrupted his season. Toon fans questioned whether the 21-year-old should be shifted out wide while he adjusts to the Premier League.

Jaissle played Fernandez-Pardo on the right for just under an hour against Villa. A selection dilemma up front might offer the new recruit another opportunity up front.

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Speaking to reporters, Jaissle noted that Osula suffered an ankle injury in the 3-1 loss to Everton. He said: “Will Osula was not able to continue. He twisted his ankle on that occasion when he took the shot. It's too early at the moment.”

A fresh Osula setback dealt Newcastle a crushing blow after he made a goalscoring return to the starting line-up last Sunday. If Jaissle does not call upon Fernandez-Pardo, he could turn to Yoane Wissa, who has scored just once this season.

Newcastle are yet to find a balanced frontline in 2026-27 as the German works out his best system. Harvey Barnes - the joint-top scorer - has been the only nailed-on starter on the left flank.

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