Paul Dummett has finally returned to full training with the Newcastle United squad after a lengthy recovery from an injury sustained in pre-season, according to The Northern Echo.
The defender is yet to feature for a single second this season due to an ongoing calf issue. He developed the gripe before the Toon faced Burton Albion in July, which forced former boss Steve Bruce to consider him ‘touch and go’, via Chronicle Live, for the league term.
But Dummett suffered a setback to his rehabilitation during training in August that kept the 30-year-old on the sidelines since. He has, however, returned to a full role in the Magpies’ sessions under Eddie Howe ahead of hosting Manchester United.
Dummett can hand Newcastle big injury boost for Manchester United clash
Newcastle welcome Manchester United to Tyneside on Monday, but Howe is likely to be without Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis. The former has missed the Toon’s last two Premier League games with a thigh injury. Meanwhile, the latter has a hamstring injury.
Dummett’s return could hand Howe a timely injury boost ahead of Newcastle hosting the Red Devils, then. The Welshman could come into the Magpies defence for either Lewis or Fernandez during next week’s St James’ Park encounter.
Lewis had emerged as Howe’s favoured left-back before sustaining his issue in defeat at Liverpool. The blow forced Matt Ritchie to return to the position he lost after Bruce’s exit.
Dummett may also feature centrally while Howe looks for Jamaal Lascelles’ partner. Fabian Schar seemed the go-to choice, but Ciaran Clark replaced him at home to Manchester City.
Howe looking forward to Welshman’s return
Howe has also been looking forward to Dummett’s return from injury, as he feels the five-cap Wales enforcer can have a big role in his Newcastle plans for the rest of the season.
“He will be an important player,” Howe said this month, via quotes by Chronicle Live. “I’ve always liked him.”
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