Newcastle United have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.
What’s the latest?
That’s according to a recent report by Newcastle World, who claim that, after Ryan Fraser was forced off in the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend as a result of a knock, the winger could be in line for an immediate return to action against Southampton on Thursday evening, as the Scotland international has already been back in training ahead of the fixture.
Speaking after the Brighton win, Howe said of the current state of his squad: “I think there are a few boys in the dressing room that are nursing little things today.
“You saw a few of them stretching on the pitch. It must have been a big, physical effort for us, so there were a few players right on the edge. Hopefully Ryan will be OK, but I don’t know.”
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Howe will be buzzing
Considering just how impressive Fraser has been for Newcastle in recent weeks, the news that the forward looks set to be available for selection at St. Mary’s is sure to have left Howe buzzing.
Indeed, over his last five Premier League fixtures, the £7.2m-rated attacker has been in excellent form for the Magpies, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making ten key passes and taking nine shots at goal.
These returns have seen the £63k-per-week Scot average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.50 in this period – form that has undoubtedly contributed to Newcastle picking up 13 points from the 15 available in their last five games.
As such, it is clear for all to see that Fraser’s availability for the trip to Southampton on Thursday evening would provide the club’s chances of leaving St. Mary’s with three points with a rather huge boost – with another victory representing a major step towards the Magpies securing their Premier League status come the end of the season.
In other news: Howe could unearth NUFC’s new Waddle in “technical” 19 y/o gem who’s “caught the eye”