Newcastle hoping for double boost ahead of Saturday's clash with Luton

Eddie Howe has revealed that Harvey Barnes is in contention to return for Saturday's clash with Luton at St James' Park.

Speaking after last night's brilliant 3-1 wing over Aston Villa, the boss revealed that the former Leicester winger is the 'close' to returning after several months on the sidelines.

Callum Wilson is also 'doing well', giving fans hope that he could be fit following Alexander Isak's injury last night. However, Howe admits our number nine is yet to train as of Tuesday night.

The others (Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson) are 'a bit behind them', but there's hope we could have a few big players back this weekend.

Here's what Howe said after the match when asked if we'd have anyone back for Saturday's game:

“There are players close. They’re getting there. Harvey Barnes would probably be the closest.

“I think Callum has been doing well, but we haven’t seen him in training yet. The others are a bit behind them.”

Elsewhere, Howe is hopeful Isak's groin issue isn't serious. The Swede will undergo a scan in the coming days, but the boss said it  "doesn’t look too bad" during last night's post-match press conference.