Newcastle United are hoping for a fitness boost tonight with Florian Lejeune set to make his eagerly awaited return to action after a long-term knee injury.
The Magpies will field the Frenchman in the Under-23 clash at Whitley Park (7pm) against Middlesbrough's second string in Premier League 2.
Lejeune has been training with the first team in the last couple of weeks but will now aim to get 90 minutes of game-time under his belt for Neil Redfearn's side.
A club statement read today: "Florian Lejeune will make a significant step towards his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury by playing for Newcastle United's under-23s against Middlesbrough's second-string on Monday evening.
"The Frenchman suffered the injury to his left knee against Crystal Palace in April - having recovered from the same injury to his other knee a few months earlier.
"After undergoing surgery, he spent time at a rehabilitation centre in Rome before returning to Tyneside for pre-season, and has steadily built up the strength in his knee over the last few months."
Admission tonight is free to season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.
