After some time out, Ghana international Christian Atsu is available for selection as Newcastle United host Leicester City in the English Premier League on Saturday, club manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed.
The winger has been out of action since straining a muscle while attempting a shot in a league fixture with Bournemouth last month.
With the injury initially not thought to be serious, Atsu headed for international duty after the game but a relapse while training with Ghana sent him to the sidelines.
“[Jamal] Lascelles and Atsu, they are available," Benitez said on Friday.
"[Paul] Dummett will play with the Under-23s today to improve his match fitness.
"We had some problems and now we are bringing back players and that is good news, because – in the end – I always say the same: the competition between players is the key for us."
Atsu's injury forced him out of Ghana's clash with Egypt on November 12 in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying, and at club level. He sat out games against Manchester United, Watford, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea.
The 25-year-old, who joined Benitez's outfit on a permanent deal in June following a season-long loan stint from Chelsea last season, has made 11 league appearances involving 10 starts and one goal so far this campaign.