Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has declared Jamaal Lascelles fit ahead of the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion - but says that Federico Fernandez will need more time to recover from a setback.
Lascelles was injured in the warm-up before the clash with Nottingham Forest last weekend but is back in contention for this weekend's encounter with the Seagulls. Lascelles suffered a thigh pull last Saturday but has trained this week.
Howe said: "Jamaal is OK. He missed the early part of training this week but came back towards the end so we anticipate that he'll be fit."
READ MORE: Eddie Howe hints at timescale on transfers with Newcastle United keen to recruit
Fernandez was injured in pre-season with a muscle problem but is edging closer toward a return having gone nine months without playing in the Premier League. Howe also spoke about Jamal Lewis' progress.
He said: "Jamal has done a couple of days which is great to see. He's looked good. Fede, again, has done a couple of days. We've gently re-introduced him. [I am] Very keen to see him consistently train with us. He's a top player."
Meanwhile, Howe played down talk that Emil Krafth will be missing for a longer period of time. When asked about the Sweden international he said: "There wasn't really an injury it was more just tightness. He's had two scans and they've come back clear.
"I don't think there's an injury but maybe a problem that's stopping him getting to full speed. Hopefully, that'll be very short term."
READ NEXT
Newcastle United set for 'second pre-season' during World Cup amid friendlies admission
Callum Wilson makes England World Cup claim amid 'disappointment' despite Newcastle win
Newcastle financial truth after James Maddison bids as Brendan Rodgers responds to 'noise'
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Magpies 'close in on' Luis Muriel and Paqueta latest
