Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has suggested that at least one player may be able to return from injury for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.
While it is perceived that the Magpies have made a positive start to the season, they have not recorded a league victory since the opening weekend.
Newcastle's efforts have not been aided by a wide range of injury issues, both in the short and long term, with Emil Krafth already seemingly sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The most notable issues have been regarding Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, who were all absent from the goalless draw with Crystal Palace last time out.
Hamstring and thigh injuries have led to their respective absences, keeping them as considerable doubts for Saturday's encounter with the Cherries.
However, speaking to reporters at a press conference, Howe hinted that at least one of the key trio could be available for selection for the game at St James' Park.
The Englishman said: "Everyone has improved but I'll leave my team news until the time we get it. It's been a slightly difficult period for us but hopefully we're coming out of that.
"They [Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin and Wilson] are big players for us and we need them back quickly."
Howe also provided updates on the recovery periods of Jonjo Shelvey and Karl Darlow, who are both sidelined in the longer term with hamstring and ankle injuries.
The Newcastle boss added: "Jonjo is making good progress. He's out on the grass running and he's looking good. He's in a really good physical condition and he's looking after himself so hopefully it wont be too long.
"The injury to Darlow - he was just in training doing normal shot action but he twisted his ankle. With that, we decided it was wise to move for someone with experience (Loris Karius) who could compliment the goalkeepers we have. He's come in and trained very well."
Newcastle head into the showdown with their resurgent opponents sitting in 11th position in the standings, only above the South-coast outfit on goal difference.
However, Bournemouth make the trip to the North-East looking to avoid setting an unwanted Premier League record relating to goals conceded. body check tags ::
