Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is confident midfielder Joe Willock will be fit in time to face Manchester United in next weekend's Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who has played a key role in Newcastle's push for a top-four finish this season, limped off during last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. He was withdrawn nine minutes before half time with a muscular problem and was replaced by January signing Anthony Gordon.
Willock, who has scored twice in the Premier League this season, will miss Saturday's meeting with Liverpool at St James' Park. However, Howe is optimistic the 23-year-old will be available to face the Reds in the first domestic cup final of the season on Sunday week.
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"I think he will be doubtful tomorrow [Saturday]," said Howe, previewing his side's clash with Liverpool. "I don't think it's a big injury at all, it's very minor, he complained about his hamstring. Definitely there is a chance of playing (against United)."
Newcastle are also sweating over the availability of striker Callum Wilson. He missed the trip to Bournemouth with a minor hamstring problem and has not trained all week, though Howe hopes he could be in contention to face Liverpool if he comes through Friday's training session unscathed. That would put him in line to face United at Wembley.
"Callum has done well," added Howe. "We said at the time it is a very minor complaint for him, he hasn't trained yet. We hope he trains today [Friday]."
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