Major boost: Keith Downie issues big NUFC update that'll leave SJP faithful buzzing - opinion

A big Newcastle United injury update has emerged on Joe Willock ahead of the club’s clash with Everton… 

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that the former Arsenal gem will be in contention to feature in the Premier League tonight.

The Magpies have a chance to pile the pressure on the Toffees whilst pushing themselves further away from the pack of clubs fighting for survival at the bottom and Willock looks set to be involved.

He was absent from the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend as Eddie Howe went with a 5-4-1 formation and Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game.

Downie Tweeted: “Joe Willock is back for Newcastle at Everton tomorrow following illness.”

This update will surely leave the St. James’ Park faithful buzzing as Willock can slot back into the midfield and allow the head coach to go back with a 4-3-3 formation.

Whilst the caveat is that they played the Champions of Europe, Newcastle only managed two shots on target and had 27% of the ball against Chelsea. The 5-4-1 was a predictably defensive set-up with the goal of keeping the Blues out for as long as possible, but a match against Everton – who are 17th and have lost their last four games – should see them act on the front foot.

This means that switching back to a 4-3-3 to offer more of a balance between defence and attack – given the added numbers up top – is the way Howe should go and Willock’s availability means that he can do that.

Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes were his only natural central midfield options at Stamford Bridge, with Willock, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey out, but he can now slot last summer’s big-money signing in alongside the pair tonight.

Supporters will also be delighted because the 22-year-old has been in