Huge Newcastle injury boost as Joelinton and Nico González return to training

Newcastle United have received a major boost during the international break, with Joelinton and Nico González both returning to first-team training.

The pair were involved in Newcastle’s open training session on Tuesday morning as Matthias Jaissle’s injury-hit squad finally begins to show signs of getting stronger.

It couldn’t come at a better time.

Newcastle went into the 2-1 victory over Hull City with nine senior players unavailable, forcing Jaissle to name a youthful bench at St James’ Park.

Now the international break could be doing exactly what Newcastle needed — giving several key players valuable time to recover before the Premier League returns.

Joelinton closing in on long-awaited return

Perhaps the biggest boost is Joelinton.

The Brazilian has yet to play a competitive minute this season after suffering a thigh problem during pre-season.

Joelinton recently revealed that his target was to return immediately after the international break, and seeing him back working with the Newcastle squad is another major step towards that happening.

Newcastle return to Premier League action against Coventry City on 12 October, and supporters will now be hoping the Brazilian can be involved.

His physicality, experience and energy have been badly missed during the opening weeks of the season.

Nico González back after concussion

There was also excellent news surrounding Nico González.

The summer signing missed the victory over Hull after being forced off against Leeds and subsequently entering the Premier League’s concussion protocols.

González has now returned to training alongside Joelinton, putting him in contention to return once domestic football resumes.

Having both midfielders available would suddenly give Jaissle considerably more options in the middle of the pitch.

More players could follow

And the good news may not stop there.

Captain Dan Burn has also spoken positively about his recovery from an ankle injury and is targeting the Coventry match for his return.

Amar Dedić is another player Newcastle hope could be available following the international break after his recent hamstring problem.

There has also been encouraging news surrounding William Osula and Anthony Elanga, although Newcastle will naturally be cautious before declaring any player ready to return.

International break arriving at the perfect time?

Normally, supporters hate an international break — particularly after a win.

This one might be different.

Newcastle have somehow managed to keep picking up points despite Jaissle dealing with an extraordinary number of absentees.

If the Magpies can travel to Coventry with Joelinton and González back in contention — and potentially Burn, Dedić and others joining them — the squad could look very different from the one that battled past Hull.

The sight of Joelinton and Nico González back on the training pitch is the clearest sign yet that Newcastle’s injury crisis could finally be beginning to ease.

And for Jaissle, that could be exactly the boost he needs heading into the next stage of the season.