Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has teased his return from injury following Saturday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Longstaff missed the match due to an ankle injury picked up at AFC Bournemouth before the international break. Although the 26-year-old was able to complete the match, he has subsequently missed Newcastle's matches against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Man United.
Last week, Magpies boss Eddie Howe confirmed Longstaff's injury was not long-term and he was hopeful of seeing him back in action soon. The midfielder has played a key role in Newcastle's midfield so far this season and is currently enjoying his joint-best scoring season to date at the club with three goals in 17 appearances.
Longstaff watched from the stands as Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win over Man United at St James' Park. After the match, he joined his team-mates in the dressing room to celebrate the three points.
And on Monday evening, Longstaff shared the dressing room photo along with a caption stating his 'full focus' was now on Thursday's trip to Everton (7:30pm kick-off).
"What a performance from the lads," Longstaff tweeted. " Hope you enjoyed your weekends Mags and full focus now on Thursday!"
Longstaff's delayed reaction to the win on social media and deliberate mention of Thursday's match was interpreted by many fans on social media to be a hint at his return from injury. The midfielder was one of 12 first-team players absent for Howe's side on Saturday.
Despite having a depleted squad, Newcastle head into the game on the back of consecutive Premier League wins but have won just one game away from home this season in the top flight, an 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United back in September. Longstaff scored in that game and will be hoping to get back into the side after 17-year-old Lewis Miley stepped into the side and impressed in his absence.
Here is Newcastle United's injury list in full heading into the Everton and Spurs fixtures...
1. Jacob Murphy (calf)
Felt a tight calf in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest that rendered him 'unusable' for the match. Expected return: AFC Bournemouth (H) - 17/02
2. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. Eddie Howe said after the game that he hopes the injury is not serious but it was too soon to tell. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest. Expected return: TBC
3. Alexander Isak (groin)
Newcastle's top scorer was forced off during Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa with a groin issue. While it's not thought to be serious, Eddie Howe said he could be out for the next couple of games Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02
4. 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 but not running just yet. Expected return: Arsenal (A) - 24/02