Exclusive: Huge Newcastle boost as long-term absentee set for early October return

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Published on:

20 Sep 2019, 1:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Dwight Gayle is set to hand Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce a massive boost by returning from injury at the start of next month, Football Insider understands.

The striker, who returned to St James' Park during the summer after spending last season on loan at West Brom, has yet to feature this campaign after picking up a calf injury in pre-season.

A Newcastle source has told Football Insider that Gayle, 28, is now in the final stages of his rehab from the problem and expects to be available for selection early in October.

Bruce spoke last week of Gayle's injury being a "big concern" after specialists had struggled to get to the root cause of the problem.

But the prolific scorer, who banged in 24 goals in 41 matches while on loan at West Brom last season, is now on the road to recovery.

Gayle's return would be especially welcome news for Bruce as Newcastle have so far struggled for goals this term, having scored just four goals in their opening five Premier League games.

Joelinton has lead the attack since the start of the season, but the return of Gayle and that of summer signing Andy Carroll would add options to Bruce's attacking plans.

The former Crystal Palace and Peterborough forward has scored 29 goals in 71 Newcastle games, although he has not been as prolific in the Premier League as the Championship.

In other Newcastle United news, it can be REVEALED that the club are set to take a multi-million hit on colossus after Leeds United bid.

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