Eddie Howe’s big Ryan Fraser boost and pre-season bonus announced for Elliot Anderson

Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser could yet make a return in the Magpies’ final two games of the season. The Scotland winger limped off against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and has not been seen since.

But with Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey injured and our for the rest of the season, Fraser could offer a midfield alternative. Howe said: “The good news is Ryan has trained and he is back in contention. Both Joe and Jonjo have injuries but will be back with his pre-season.

“Ryan returned to training yesterday - which has been great to see - and has trained very well. Fingers crossed that he’s fine.”

And expanding on Shelvey, Howe said: "Jonjo has quite a serious calf injury, which is similar to the one he sustained at the start of the season. He'll be out for a period of time but we expect him back for pre-season with no problems."

On Willock he reflected: "Joe has had an issue with a tendon in his knee for a while. We thought we'd solved the problem but it's come back. He needs a period of rest, he's had a couple of injections, but we anticipate he'll be fine for pre-season."

Howe also stated he would have liked to take a look at Elliot Anderson but the club have not appealed to the Premier League as they don’t have enough injuries to justify it. Howe did though confirm United would be using Anderson in pre-season.

He said: “He will train with us and play in pre-season. Then we will assess the options.”