"He's going to be close" - Howe hints at Southampton return for Newcastle's £10m man

Newcastle United have been handed a boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton as an injured Mag closes in on a return to action. 

The Magpies have largely been fortunate on the injury front with the bulk of the first team squad remaining fit so far this season, a stark contrast to this time last year when our squad was stretched to its limits.

We currently have four Mags out through injury in Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles; but one or two are due back soon, based on recent quotes from Eddie Howe.

Howe issues Nick Pope update

It seems as though Nick Pope could be ready for a return to action when we make the long trip to the south coast on Saturday, but whether he will feature is another conversation.

Speaking recently on Pope's comeback from a knee issue, Howe said: "Certainly he’s going to be close (for Southampton). He’s not trained with us yet, but he’s certainly building up to that moment. We’re happy with where he is at. Mentally, he’s getting there ready to play.”

Even if fully fit there will no doubt be internal discussions about who is considered our No. 1 at current - you could argue that it has become Martin Dubravka’s spot to lose as, although he doesn’t match with Pope in terms of shot stopping prowess, the Slovakian is more adept with the ball.

The calm figure conducted by the 36-year-old has steadied our defence since he came in following the Brentford game owing to Pope’s injury, although our run of solid defensive displays came to an end in Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

Wilson return date reported

Alongside Pope, Callum Wilson (hamstring) is also edging closer to a return from injury after yet another setback last month.

In his latest piece for The Mail, Craig Hope relayed the hope is that Wilson is ready for a return to first team action in the second leg of our Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal on February 5.

The Englishman’s future has also been in question, but his poor injury record continuing is unlikely to impress suitors. A vital few months lay ahead for Wilson who must remain fit and find goalscoring form as soon as possible - either to convince us to hand him a new deal or raise his stock to potential suitors should he leave this summer.