Newcastle United are expected to welcome a number of injured players back into their squad for Monday’s visit to Coventry City.
Newcastle United are set to be boosted by the return of a number of key players over the coming days and weeks - although club legend Alan Shearer is unsure whether two experienced heads will go straight back into Matthias Jaissle’s starting eleven.
The former RB Salzburg and Al-Ahli head coach has enjoyed a largely positive start to life at St James Park after losing just one of his first five Premier League games and guided the Magpies into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup after they overcame awkward challenges against Championship duo West Bromwich Albion and Millwall. That record is even more impressive when you consider Jaissle has yet to pick what many would consider to be his strongest squad after several players have watched on from the sidelines.
Matthias Jaissle, Head Coach of Newcastle United, laughs with Joelinton of Newcastle United following the pre-season friendly match between Valencia CF and Newcastle United at Estadio Mestalla on August 08, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matthias Jaissle, Head Coach of Newcastle United, laughs with Joelinton of Newcastle United following the pre-season friendly match between Valencia CF and Newcastle United at Estadio Mestalla on August 08, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Slowly but surely, those players are returning to contention and Joelinton is expected to be available for Monday’s visit to Coventry City after a thigh injury has kept him out of action this season. Captain Dan Burn is also close to return - although he remains a doubt for the trip to the CBS Arena.
Shearer is delighted to see both players getting closer to a return - and he admitted he is interested to see how Jaissle will utilise Joelinton in his new look midfield.
He told Betfair: “I think it would be a big ask to chuck Dan Burn and Joelinton straight back into the fold against Coventry. Having not played football for so long, I'd be very, very surprised if they were to start. They are great, great reinforcements to have back. Joelinton's had injury problems clearly for a while, but I think two experienced heads, two lads who know what the Premier League's about with so many youngsters in the team, I think to have them back in the squad would be a big plus for Newcastle.
“I am really interested to see how Joelinton gets on without Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães and how he will fit into our midfield now. We know what he's like on his best day. He's very, very tough to play against. He's a combative midfielder. But he'll add great experience into the midfield.”