An injury update has emerged on versatile Newcastle United beast Paul Dummett...

What's the latest?

The Athletic's Chris Waugh has revealed that the defender is back out on the grass and could be available to Eddie Howe in the next few days/weeks heading into December.

A supporter asked him about Dummett's current situation in a Q&A and the reporter wrote: "It has been a frustrating few months for Paul Dummett, who continues to be ravaged by injury problems.

"However, he did return to the grass last week and the indications I've received are that he could be in contention for selection within a matter of weeks, if not potentially even days. He suffered a calf problem during pre-season and then unfortunately had a setback during Bruce's final few weeks, but he is closing in on a return.

"However, given his lack of action in recent months, and how susceptible he is to injuries, it may take him a little bit of time to get fully up to speed."

Buzzing

This update could provide Eddie Howe with a much-needed lift heading into a crucial chunk of the Premier League season. The Magpies are heading into the busiest schedule of the campaign throughout December and Dummett's return could really bolster the squad.

His return could be a big boost as he has proven that he can be a reliable defender in the top-flight in multiple positions.

Since the start of the 2015/16 campaign, he has never averaged a SofaScore rating lower than 6.74 in the league, showing that he has been a consistent performer for the Magpies. Last term, Dummett averaged a score of 6.76 in 15 appearances. He won 56% of his duels over the course of the year and made zero errors leading to goals or shots.

In terms of his versatility, he has shown that he can play at centre-back or left-back during his career. This means that he can feature in either of those positions in a back four, or as a left-sided centre-back or a wing-back in a back five too - giving Howe plenty of options in how he can use him in the coming months.

Therefore, Dummett could provide a massive lift for the ex-Cherries coach, leaving him buzzing in the process at his upcoming availability. He is a versatile, reliable, player who could potentially improve the defence with his presence - given his aforementioned form over the years - and plug gaps when needed due to his ability to feature in a multitude of roles.

AND in other news,  Howe must unleash £10.8m-rated NUFC "dark horse" vs Norwich, it's his time to shine...