Newcastle United have been handed a huge injury boost by the news that Mikel Merino has returned to training following a back injury.
The Spanish midfielder has missed the last two matches against Burnley and Bournemouth, which both ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Magpies, and is set to remain on the sidelines for this weekend’s testing clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, The Chronicle reports that 21-year-old Merino has returned to training following his lower back injury, suggesting that a return for the former Borussia Dortmund man is right around the corner.
Last week, Rafael Benitez stated it was likely to be a couple more weeks until Merino was back in action but a video posted on social media, showing the Spaniard training at former club Osasuna, suggests that a return could be quicker than anticipated.
Initially signed on-loan, Merino made an instant impression at St. James’ Park and was swiftly signed to a five-year deal, after accumulating the number of appearances necessary for the Magpies to make a permanent swoop.