Steve Bruce has confirmed Isaac Hayden will return to the team to face West Ham tomorrow at the London Stadium.
The former Arsenal man returns from a three-game ban and will replace the suspended Sean Longstaff in the United midfield.
But West Ham have been left guessing over who will partner him in the middle with Matty Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Ki vying for the other engine room slot.
Bruce, speaking to BBC Newcastle, said today: "It seems a long, long time ago since the debacle at Leicester.
"So he's had to wait patiently and get on with it.
"I have to say with Isaac nothing changes with him.
"He is a good pro in that respect.
"So he'll come back into the team tomorrow - it's the obvious one which is just at the right time with Longy's red card, which was harsh on the lad.
"But he can only learn from it."
