Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has addressed, ahead of the Magpies’ penultimate Champions League ‘League Phase’ tie tomorrow night.
His side will take on PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park on Wednesday, as they look to secure qualification into the knockout stage of the tournament.
United have taken 10 points from a possible 18 so far in the competition and will welcome a return to the North East – where they have won two of their three Champions League matches this season – following two winless games on the continent.
Dan Burn back in training
Videos circulating online show Newcastle are soon to be boosted by the return of Geordie defender Dan Burn, who is in first-team training for the first time since early December.
The 33-year-old could return to the squad alongside striker Will Osula, who has been out with an ankle injury since November.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie posted earlier on x:
‘Dan Burn & William Osula back in group training for Newcastle United.
‘Eddie Howe will address the media this afternoon, so we will find out if either or both are in the squad for PSV tomorrow night then.
‘But good news for #NUFC at both ends of the pitch to see the duo back out there with so many games on the horizon.’
However, Howe has since confirmed that both Burn and Osula won’t make the squad tomorrow night, as it is “too early”.
He added that today was their “first day back with the team, but hopefully they’re not too far away.”
Burn was forced off in the 1-0 defeat away to Sunderland, in the Wear-Tyne Derby, back in mid-December.
The England defender came off second best in a collision with Nordi Mukiele, which saw him fracture a rib and puncture his lung, whilst the Frenchman was booked.
His return to the squad provides a much-needed reinforcement at the back, with Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, and Jamaal Lascelles all sidelined.
Testing month for Newcastle
It comes at a crucial period in Newcastle’s season, as they try to compete across all fronts over the next few weeks.
Tomorrow night’s Champions League tie precedes a critical Premier League match at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.
United then face a trip to Paris Saint-Germain in what could be a fate-deciding Champions League game, before Premier League trips to Liverpool and Tottenham, as well as cup visits to Manchester City and Aston Villa, all before mid-February.
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