Manquillo boost, Fraser and Saint-Maximin latest - what we learned from Newcastle's training pictures

Newcastle United have been training ahead of a crucial clash with relegation rivals Brentford.

Eddie Howe's side will be bidding to stretch their unbeaten Premier League to seven matches when they travel to the capital for the second consecutive weekend.

The Magpies played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against the same opponents at St James' Park in Howe's first match in charge in November, but the Bees have struggled in recent weeks.

Thomas Frank's side have picked up just one point in their last seven matches, and suffered a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in their last outing.

Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson remain on the long-term absentee list for Newcastle, with a number of minor injury concerns likely to provide Howe with a selection headache this weekend.

Here are four things we learned from Newcastle United's latest training gallery from Wednesday's session.

Javier Manquillo's injury during the Magpies' home victory over Aston Villa was overshadowed by the lengthy setback suffered by Trippier in the same match.

Howe initially feared the Spanish full-back could be out for an extended period over concerns for an ankle ligament injury, and Emil Krafth started in the 1-1 draw at West Ham.

No return date has been given for Manquillo, but the 27-year-old was pictured back in full training on Wednesday, giving hope he could be fit to face the Bees.

Allan Saint-Maximin missed the trip to the London Stadium with a calf complaint, while Ryan Fraser was withdrawn during the contest with a suspected muscle injury.

Both wide men are considered doubts for Saturday's clash, and fans will be concerned to see neither feature in the latest training gallery.

The club's article indicates Saint-Maximin remains an 'injury doubt', while stating