"Crucial" - Journalist drops claim as Newcastle now receive huge fitness boost for Everton

Newcastle United star Joe Willock’s return to action could be ‘crucial’ for head coach Eddie Howe ahead of tonight’s Premier League encounter with Everton, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies are going into the clash at Goodison Park knowing they could move up to 12th place in the standings with a win and also plunge Everton further into relegation trouble.

Howe, who was appointed as Newcastle’s head coach last November, has offered a positive update on whether Willock will be in the squad to travel to Merseyside this evening.

The former Bournemouth chief has revealed the 22-year-old should be fully fit and in line to feature after overcoming an illness and returning to training.

Willock was forced to miss the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, which was their first Premier League loss since the turn of the year.

Howe claimed after the Stamford Bridge encounter that the central midfielder was only ruled out after falling ill late on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before kick-off.

Having made the £25million switch from Arsenal last August, following a loan spell at St James’ Park, Willock has made 25 appearances this season and showed his threat in the final third of the pitch by racking up two goals last month.

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O’Rourke believes Willock could make a huge difference to Newcastle’s side if he features at Everton tonight.

The journalist reckons his availability would be even more valuable if Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton remain on the sidelines, which Howe has admitted is a possibility.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Having him back in that engine room against Everton will be crucial to Eddie Howe’s team.