Newcastle United have been boosted by the return of defender Paul Dummett to first-team training.
The former Wales international had not trained with the senior group since September when suffered a calf injury during the Steve Bruce era and endured a setback.
Dummett was originally injured in pre-season during the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United at the New York Stadium but after training in isolation throughout the autumn months he is finally back with his team-mates.
And given Newcastle's defensive woes this season his comeback is a massive lift for Eddie Howe.
Dummett was involved in all of the ball work and small-sided games at the club's Benton base.
The Academy product is currently in the final year of a one-season extension but has been unable to make a first-team appearance due to summer issues with injury.
Howe has been without Federico Fernandez due to what the Toon boss described as a "slight thigh injury".
It is unclear whether Dummett will feature in any of United's festive fixtures at this stage.
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