Newcastle United

Defoe could return v Newcastle

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Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has returned to full training and may possibly be fit to sit on the bench in their clash against Newcastle United on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail. 

The newspaper report that Defoe is close to returning from a long-term absence after the veteran striker suffered a broken foot in a challenge with Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu.

The 35-year-old has been missing since the Cherries’ 2-1 loss to the Blues in the Carabao Cup on December 20th, but could finally be set to come back against the Magpies in a massive boost for Eddie Howe.

There is however the possibility that Defoe will not be risked against Newcastle, which would mean he instead played in a development game with the club’s Under-23 squad.

Newcastle could see a striker of their own return to fitness as Islam Slimani pushes for his debut after joining on loan from Leicester in January.

OPINION

Defoe’s return to fitness is good news for Bournemouth, and bad news for Newcastle. While it remains unlikely that the striker will start against the Magpies, Defoe still remains one of the most lethal finishers in England, and could make a difference off the bench. A win for Newcastle would see them draw level with Bournemouth on 31 points, which would push them towards the top-half of the table. A loss however would see them dealt a big blow in their fight against relegation, which is getting tighter by the week. 

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