Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe's positive update on four stars but Targett to miss rest of season

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has indicated that Kieran Trippier will not be back for the encounter against Sheffield United this weekend but is feeling hopeful over his quartet of missing key stars.

The England defender has been missing since the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton with Howe stating he will be "back soon" while Miguel Almiron will also be absent against Chris Wilder's men but will be "there or there about" for the trip to Burnley next weekend. And that was the case for Nick Pope and Joelinton, who were never expected to feature against the team that could be relegated at St James' Park this weekend.

Newcastle face a crunch clash against the Blades as they aim to cement a place in Europe following a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in midweek. And Howe is set to go with a similar line-up to the team that suffered a loss in the capital.

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Howe, speaking at his press conference ahead of the clash with rock-bottom Sheffield United, said on Trippier, Almiron and Joelinton: "We hope he is back soon but he won't be back for this game.

"Kieran has been so good for us on and off the pitch. They (Joelinton and Almiron) are getting closer not close enough for this match, they are all in different positions and difficult to predict when.

"Joelinton visited a specialist recently and has had good news so continues on his comeback. Miggy is there or there about so we are hopeful for next week.

"Nick is beginning to start early training sessions. But he has not participated in a big group session."

But there is more negative news on Matt Targett who has been missing since November with a hamstring injury. When asked about his status, Howe said: "We'll not (see him again) I'll say. If we rushed him back and hit the accelerator he might be back for the last game. But with that in mind we'd be better off waiting for next summer."

The positive to come out of the Press conference today was that Tino Livramento could get more minutes than expected against the Blades. The Magpies are set to assess the fitness levels of Livramento ahead of the game at St James' Park after he was described as an "emergency option" only at Selhurst Park.

Reflecting on the condition of Livramento, Howe said: "He came on against Spurs and had a slight reaction, it was enough to restrict his training for Palace. We are having to look after him. A few days makes a big difference. So we will see how he trains."