Newcastle finally set for major injury boosts with a number of players set to return in the coming weeks as Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes near comebacks

Eddie Howe's side have struggled after losing a number of key players to injuryElliot Anderson, meanwhile, will be out for a bit longer, possibly up to six weeksFootball is changing... managers can't rely on their reputation. Just look at the Golden Generation - It's All Kicking Off

Newcastle United will be boosted by the return of Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy in the coming weeks – but Elliot Anderson will need longer in his return from a back injury.

Mail Sport understands Willock is ‘two to three weeks’ away from playing again. The midfielder has been out for more than two months after suffering a recurrence of an achilles problem.

Barnes, who injured his foot making only his second start for the Magpies in September, could be back before Willock. The £38million winger has worked well of late but there is also caution given the pain he felt when initially attempting a return in December.

Wilson remains a doubt for next weekend’s trip to Fulham in the FA Cup but the calf problem he is nursing is unlikely to keep him out beyond the end of the month. Murphy is perhaps the closest to bolstering Eddie Howe’s squad. He has made good progress after surgery on a dislocated shoulder in November.

However, while the news from a scan on Anderson’s stress fracture in his back was positive last week, he will need around six weeks before being in contention for a return to action. Meanwhile, as confirmed by Mail Sport on Thursday, Joelinton is set to undergo season-ending thigh surgery next week.

Newcastle are set to welcome back a number of players from injury in the coming weeks, including Callum Wilson

Joe Willock (left), Harvey Barnes (centre) and Jacob Murphy (right) are also closing in on returns to fitness

Elliot Anderson, however, faces a longer spell on the sidelines, with six weeks the given date until he is back

Your browser does not support iframes.

Howe will be hoping there are no setbacks for those nearing fitness, given the injury problems that have plagued Newcastle’s season. They have lost their last four in the Premier League and have slipped to 10th in the table. The head coach’s most recent benches have included more than one goalkeeper and several academy players with little senior experience.

Willock’s comeback, in particular, is seen as key to alleviating the pressure on a midfield three of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley. Newcastle have missed his running power during a season in which he has made only three starts.