Howe releases update on 4 Newcastle players ahead of Leicester clash – Surprisingly good news?

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, offering a positive update on the fitness front ahead of Sunday's clash with Leicester City.

Fortunately, it looks like Ryan Fraser's hamstring injury isn't a bad one, with the NUFC boss refusing to rule him out of this weekend's game.

Even if he does miss out, it seems a scan revealed on a 'very small problem' that won't keep him out for too long - a welcome surprise given how gutted he looked when he left the field last week!

Elsewhere, Howe has confirmed that Joe Willock should return to the squad after making 'good progress' from a knee problem that kept him out of our 1-0 win over Wolves.

There's also good news on Kieran Trippier, who is 'very slightly ahead of schedule' and now just building up his fitness ahead of a return to first-team action.

It seems Callum Wilson is still a behind the right-back in his recovery, however the Toon boss has revealed that it's been 'great to see' him taking part in some shooting drills this week.

Here's what Howe's had to say on all of the above when speaking to the local press in the last few moments...

Howe on Fraser:

"I don't think it's too bad but was enough to bring him off against Wolves.

"We had a scan with him and it showed a very small problem so hopefully it wont be too long for him - we'll see whether he makes this game."

Howe on Willock:

"Joe has made good progress. He's trained this week so we hope to have him fit."

Howe on Trippier:

"Kieran is very slightly ahead of schedule.

"He's beginning to run back on the grass with his boots on so that's a great sign for us.

"He's still now got to build up his fitness but he's in a good place."

Howe on Wilson:

"Callum is now hitting balls towards the goal with no goalkeeper in.

"It's only against mannequins but he's gradually building up to where he wants to be so it's great to see."