Newcastle set for huge injury boost vs Chelsea as 'specialist' could return

Newcastle United's 'specialist' left-back, Matt Targett, has been told by boss Eddie Howe that he still has a big future at the club as they prepare to take on Chelsea on Monday. The 28-year-old is set to return to action in the Premier League and FA Cup after recovering from a season-long hamstring injury.

Targett was dramatically substituted early on during Newcastle's 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford. Since then, he hasn't been seen on the pitch.

However, the former Aston Villa man has been training well and could be back in the squad for the upcoming games. It comes as a giant boost for Howe ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

When Targett moved from Villa Park to Newcastle for £12million in 2022, he was a key player. But his time at the club has been marred by various injuries, limiting him to just seven Premier League starts since his loan move became permanent two years ago.

This season, Targett has missed 24 matches due to surgery following his major setback at Man United in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, reports Chronicle Live. Targett is keen to improve his record and challenge Dan Burn for the first-choice left-back position. With all the necessary skills, he is more than capable of fitting into Howe's game plans.

Howe, explained: «Matt is working his way back to full fitness. If there was a situation where we needed him desperately, I think he could play now but I still think he needs a little bit more training time.

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»That's not to say he won't be involved in the game but he's done