Joe Willock

Willock (calf) is on the bench for Monday's clash with Liverpool.

Willock (calf) could be an option for Monday's clash against Liverpool after training with the team this week, being back fit and looking good, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. Howe added, "Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well. When he went down in the game [in Korea] I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn't look good. Credit to him, he's got back fit and looking good."

Willock (calf) was back on the training field with teammates Wednesday, according to his club.

Willock (calf) is nearing a return for Newcastle but will miss Saturday's season opener against Aston Villa, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "Everyone is available apart from Joe [Willock], and he's not too far away himself. We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of injury news."

Willock (calf) is expected to return in early September, according to manager Eddie Howe. "We initially feared he could have injured part of his Achilles, but thankfully that wasn't the case. But it looks like he's got a problem with a muscle in the calf. So we feel the injury isn't as serious as maybe first feared, which is great news for Joe, but it's still going to keep him out for a number of weeks. How many we're not sure, but early diagnosis is looking four to six, which, although being a blow, is probably much better than the initial thought."