Newcastle boss Eddie Howe provides four positive injury updates as European spot eyed

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has provided positive injury updates on Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Fabian Schar. The Magpies face a tough trio of remaining Premier League fixtures with qualification for European football for next season on the line.

Howe’s side host Brighton on Saturday before successive away games against Manchester United and Brentford. Newcastle are sixth in the top-flight and could secure qualification for the Europa League or Conference League.

In a major boost to those hopes, an injury crisis that has plagued Newcastle’s season finally appears to be subsiding. Howe revealed that Tripper is closing in on a return having been absent for two months with a calf injury. The right-back may even feature against Brighton in Newcastle's final home match this weekend.

He's getting closer,” Howe said of the England international. “He's trained this week for the first time with the group which is brilliant.

“You can see the strength of the group returning with key figures back. He trained well, it's been a good week for him and we'll make a decision on him today.”

Meanwhile, Almiron has been missing since lasting just 10 minutes of Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 win over West Ham on March 30. Joelinton has played just once this year after undergoing groin surgery

Asked about the duo, Howe responded: “They have trained well. It's been a good week for them. They're still building their robustness is the best way to describe it.”

There were also fears that defender Fabian Schar might miss the remainder of the season after hobbling off with a hamstring injury in the 5-1 thrashing of Sheffield United on April 27. But Howe says that the Swiss star - his most used player during his 100-game reign - is making improvements.

“I don't think he'll figure tomorrow,” Howe said of Schar. “Let's wait and see about next week. He's certainly improving and feeling good.”

Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, has been urged to focus on performing well after missing out on the end-of-season Premier League award nominations. The 22-year-old winger, who has excelled this term, was not put forward for either the Player of the Year or Young Player of the Year gongs.

“I don't pay too much attention to these things,” Howe said. “I haven't spoken to Anthony but he just needs to focus on performing well. He's been outstanding this season and If he's not in the mix for awards I'd be very surprised.”