Eddie Howe confirms triple Newcastle injury boost ahead of Manchester United clash

Eddie Howe has confirmed he will have Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Joelinton available for Sunday's clash against Manchester United.

The Magpies welcome United to St James' Park in for a huge game in the race for the top four. Erik ten Hag's side currently sit third in the table but could drop to fifth by Monday evening, albeit with two games in hand over Tottenham.

Newcastle held concerns over a number of players during the fortnight away from domestic action, with Nick Pope and Sven Botman both withdrawing from international duty due to injury and illness respectively, while Joelinton had missed the last two games and was not involved with Brazil.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag must resist Scott McTominay temptation at Newcastle

“Sven [Botman] suffered a nasty bout of food poisoning," Howe revealed on Friday. "I don't think he was alone in the Netherlands camp so he left early to get himself back up to speed. He's trained with us since he's returned so he should be fine.

“Nick [Pope] felt a problem in his thigh after the Wolves games. He didn't train in the build up to the Forest game and then completed that game with a bit of discomfort. He's trained this week.

“Huge to have [Joelinton] available. Jo's a huge presence, not just physically, but the others lads know how good of a player he is. He's a huge player for us. To have him back is a huge lift."

Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson have also recovered from injury problems and were both involved in full first-team training on, their availability for Sunday's game looking likely. However the picture is not perfect in the north east, with Anthony Gordon taking only a small role in Wednesday's preparations.

Asked about Gordon's fitness, Howe added: "I don't know the