Eddie Howe has given some selection indications for Blackburn Rovers’ FA Cup fifth round clash against Newcastle United.
Joe Willock is’very close’ to returning to Newcastle United’s starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game at Blackburn Rovers (7:45pm kick-off).
Willock scored on the bench in Newcastle’s 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday evening. It was the midfielder’s first outing in over three months following an Achilles injury.
Alexander Isak also returned from a groin injury on Saturday, after missing three games.
And head coach Eddie Howe believes both players benefited from the minutes they received during a difficult evening at the Emirates Stadium.
“To this point they have,” Howe responded when asked if they made it through the game safely. “I was delighted with Joe’s return and felt he looked great when he came on. It was amazing to see Joe Willock score one of his signature goals.
“Alex got 60 good minutes into his legs which will do him the world of good.”
When asked if Willock was ready to start at Blackburn, Howe said: “It’s a difficult one; I’ll have to discuss it with the medical team.
“He is very, very close to starting. He’s worked hard behind the scenes to get to this position, even if we only saw him play 30 minutes against Arsenal.”
Willock’s last start for Newcastle came in a 2-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth in November. Due to injuries, the midfielder has only started three games for the Magpies this season.
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