Newcastle may well play an unchanged side against Huddersfield, but their star January signing is in contention.
Newcastle United return to Premier League action against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, looking to take a huge step towards safety.
The Magpies are currently four points clear of the bottom three, but they could stretch that gap with victory over Huddersfield and also deal a blow to a relegation rival.
It is difficult to see Rafa Benitez’s side failing to stay up if they get the three points at St James’ Park, yet that is not a given against a Terriers outfit that won on Tyneside last season.
Newcastle’s solid form at least makes the team selection fairly straightforward for Benitez…
There is a very settled back five at Newcastle now, with Martin Dubravka behind DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett. Dubravka and Yedlin looked to come through international jaunts without any issues, while the others trained on Tyneside.
In midfield, Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame and Kenedy also remained behind in the international break, but Matt Ritchie returned from Scotland duty early with injury. Newcastle will hope the in-form winger can be fit for Saturday, though, with Christian Atsu the obvious alternative.
Then Benitez has a decision to make up front. Islam Slimani returned to fitness to play for Algeria on Tuesday, but surely he will not walk straight into the side. Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle deserve the opportunity to continue their effective partnership in a potentially unchanged XI.
Here’s how we expect Newcastle to line up:
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