Steve Bruce gives injury update on Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett

Willems missed the weekend’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James’s Park. The result lifted the club up to ninth place in the Premier League.

Paul Dummett – who played as a left wing-back in Willems’ absence – was forced off late in the game with a groin problem, and the 28-year-old is doubtful for the club’s Boxing Day visit to Old Trafford.

“Dummett’s a doubt,” said head coach Steve Bruce, who will again be without Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie. “Jetro could return. We’re hoping that goes away. He tweaked his knee at Burnley. He’s got a chance.”

Otherwise, Bruce’s side came through the Palace game, which was decided by Miguel Almiron’s first goal for Newcastle, unscathed. Bruce said: “Dummy’s the only big concern from Saturday, with his groin.”