Joelinton could start for Newcastle against Villa as Jaissle delivers six-player injury update

Matthias Jaissle has opened the door to Joelinton making his first start of the season against Aston Villa tomorrow, although Dan Burn is unlikely to return to the starting XI.

Both made their first competitive appearances of the season from the bench in Monday's 4-1 defeat at Coventry, but Joelinton has had more training behind him and could now be ready for a bigger role.

Joelinton closer to a start than Burn

In Thursday's press conference, Jaissle explained:

"We need to manage that really carefully. That's the tricky part. We missed them so much. Joe is now longer in training compared to Dan and these are the next steps for both of them to give them more game time.

"For Dan, it will most likely be too soon to get that starting position already as he's just trained a couple of times but for Joelinton, it could be a bit different."

Joelinton played just over half an hour at Coventry, replacing Joe Willock, while Burn's return was limited to a bizarre stoppage-time appearance playing upfront after Bazoumana Touré went off.

Elanga and Ramsey could rejoin training next week

Jaissle hopes Anthony Elanga will be able to take part in some group training next week as Newcastle gradually build him back up.

On the winger, he said:

"Hopefully, next week, he is about to train again with the group, at least partially and we then integrate him again step-by-step. We miss him a lot. I can't wait to have him back in the squad."

There was a similar outlook for Jacob Ramsey:

"With JJ, it's a bit different. He's making progress. Hopefully next week, he can join in partially in training and then we can build it from there."

For Tino Livramento, the manager spoke instead of a gradual return over the next few weeks, stressing the need to be cautious given his injury history.

Touré could be available against Villa

Following yesterday's report that Touré was thought to have avoided serious injury, Jaissle said he hoped the winger could be part of the squad against Villa.

He said:

"Bazou seems to be much better. We're happy for that (as) it didn't look well during the match. He's progressing well in the last few days so, hopefully, he is able to join the group on Saturday."

Elanga's absence makes that particularly welcome, with Touré offering another option on the right for tomorrow's 5.30pm kick-off at St James' Park.