Howe confirms boost ahead of Everton game but reveals defender is set for a few weeks out

Kieran Trippier is set to miss around a month through injury, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says, but summer signing Yoane Wissa has returned to training.

Wissa is yet to play for the Magpies following his move from Brentford because of a knee injury.

But he is closing in on a long awaited return to action, Howe says.

“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday so I was really pleased with how he looked,” Howe said on Wissa.

“That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he responds today.”

On a possible return date for Wissa, Howe said: “We’ve got one in mind, but it’s probably best if I keep that to myself. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Of course, we want to involve him as soon as possible.”

Trippier has picked up a hamstring problem and will miss a few weeks though.

“He had a scan on his hamstring, I think it’s roughly around a month, give or take,” Howe said.

“That’s the diagnosis. Fingers crossed we can get him back quickly.”

Sven Botman, meanwhile, is a doubt for the game against Everton on Saturday because of a back issue.

And Emile Krafth is expected to miss the clash because of a knee problem.