Newcastle injury update as Osula and Dedic return to training ahead of Coventry
Will Osula and Amar Dedic feature alongside Joelinton and Nico Gonzalez in a Newcastle video posted on X (Twitter), raising hopes of four returns for Monday night's trip to Coventry.
Speaking at today's pre-match press conference, Matthias Jaissle said:
"We are hopeful there will be three or four back from the nine missing against Hull City."
The four in the footage look the strongest candidates.
Who could return against Coventry?
Joelinton and Nico Gonzalez look the best bets, having rejoined the training group last week. Nico missed Hull following his concussion at Leeds, while Joelinton is working towards his first appearance of the season after a thigh injury.
As we covered in today's Joelinton update, Jaissle is pleased with his progress but has stressed the need to manage workloads. A place on the bench could be a sensible starting point for Big Joe.
Osula could be involved after his foot problem, while Dedic's appearance offers encouragement after the muscle injury that kept him out against Hull.
Lewis Miley is also expected to be available after his precautionary withdrawal from England Under-21 duty. The midfielder has been cleared to resume training and appears in today's footage too.
What about Burn, Ramsey, Elanga and Livramento?
Dan Burn looks the most likely extra return beyond the four in the video, having been targeting Coventry after his ankle injury. Jacob Ramsey could also be involved on Monday after the thigh problem he felt in the warm-up at Leeds.
There have been more encouraging reports about Anthony Elanga's hamstring problem, but Jaissle's latest update offered no firm return date for him or Tino Livramento. Livramento missed Hull after discomfort following training and later withdrew from England duty.
Jaouen faces two months out
The clear setback concerns Ewen Jaouen. Jaissle confirmed the goalkeeper faces two months out with the hamstring injury suffered on France Under-21 duty, putting his likely return around December.
That leaves Nick Pope as the obvious senior cover for Lukas Hornicek while the Frenchman recovers.
For Monday, Dedic's return would be particularly useful with Livramento still uncertain, while Osula would give us another way to change the game up front. After the depleted bench against Hull, those extra options would be very welcome.
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