Newcastle United have received an injury boost ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Howe is expected to rotate his side on Wednesday night, with Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI against Spurs including seven changes.
One of those sees Will Osula start ahead of Nick Woltemade following his incredible cameo in the win over Fulham.
There could also be a change in defence, with Fabian Schar poised to make his first start since the Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Elsewhere, Eddie Howe suddenly has another option in defence that he could turn to in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup when Newcastle face Spurs.
Harrison Ashby trains ahead of Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United have released pictures from Monday’s training session, with Harrison Ashby spotted making his return to action.
Howe recently stated that Ashby had a thigh injury, but now the defender is back in training.
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In some respects, it is a boost for the Newcastle United manager. With Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall injured, having another option at full-back will please Howe.
In contrast, Ashby has never made a competitive appearance for the club. Having signed for £3million from West Ham in January 2023, the right-back is yet to make his Newcastle United debut.
While it is great that the 23-year-old is fit enough to return to training, it is unlikely to result in him getting an opportunity in the Carabao Cup.
Harrison Ashby in danger of never playing for Newcastle United
Despite returning to fitness at a time when Newcastle have a shortage of full-backs, Ashby will be worried about his future on Tyneside.
That is because his contract at St James’ Park expires in the summer, with Ashby on course to become a free agent.
His move from West Ham to the North East simply has not worked out, despite initially arriving with the hype of potentially being Kieran Trippier’s long-term replacement at right-back. He has not even got close to challenging the 35-year-old, with Ashby making a grand total of zero appearances so far.
The arrival of Tino Livramento pushed Ashby further down the pecking order, while he also has wonderkid Leo Shahar to contend with.
The writing appears to be on the wall for Ashby.