Mikel Merino fitness boost comes at the perfect time for Newcastle United

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The Spanish midfielder has returned to Newcastle United training after a back injury.

The Chronicle is reporting that Mikel Merino and Paul Dummett have resumed training with Newcastle United’s first team this week and are in contention to face Watford on Saturday.

Left-back Dummett has not played since the opening weekend of the season because of a hamstring injury, while midfielder Merino has missed Newcastle’s last three games with a back problem.

The Spaniard’s speedy recovery is a timely boost for the Magpies, who are missing Isaac Hayden for the visit of the Hornets as he serves a suspension for picking up five yellow cards.

Newcastle have badly missed Merino, losing all three matches in his absence, and the return of a player who has quickly become a crowd favourite should get St James’ Park rocking this weekend.

Mohamed Diame, who would be the alternative if the 21-year-old was still unfit, has only started one game this season and put in a disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley.

Merino has had a huge influence on Newcastle’s results this season, starting three of their four victories and coming off the bench to score the later winner against Crystal Palace in the other.