Steve Bruce wants Andy Carroll to sustain a fortnight of full training before he considers handing him his Premier League return.
The striker, though, has had good news when it comes to his ankle injury after spending time behind the scenes taking part in some light outdoor sessions.
Bruce is keen to add Carroll to the squad to give him another option in attack, with Yoshinori Muto the only alternative to Joelinton and Miguel Almiron at the moment.
When asked about Carroll's return, Bruce told the Sunday Sun: "I am never going to put an exact time on it.
"The good thing for the supporters is that there's good work he's done on the training ground with the rehab and physio people.
"The ankle has had no ill effects. He is not sore and not swollen.
"In the past that has been the case."
Carroll last appeared in the Premier League back in February against Manchester City for West Ham.
But Bruce maintained from the start of his move to Newcastle from the London Stadium club that he would need to get him into the building at Benton before making a full assessment on the striker.
When asked what the next step for Carroll will be, Bruce said: "Let's hope he can come and train with us for a couple of weeks.
"The early signs are encouraging."
Speaking about a potential second debut last month, Carroll said: "I can’t wait to just walk out at St James’.
"I really can’t. Honestly, I can’t describe it.
"I walked into the stadium when I was signing and walked down the side of the pitch.
"Just an unbelievable feeling.
"When I put the shirt on and walk out . . . I can’t describe it.
"I’m more buzzing to put it on now, the shirt, than I was when I was 17. I’m so excited."
