JOE WILLOCK will sit out Newcastle United’s weekend game with Liverpool – but the midfielder is winning his battle to be available for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Willock suffered muscular damage during last weekend’s draw at Bournemouth and is yet to return to full training.

However, a scan has revealed the Magpies midfielder did not sustain any serious long-term damage at the Vitality Stadium, and as a result, he should be able to train next week in order to thrust himself into contention for the Wembley showpiece in nine days’ time.

“We haven’t seen Joe yet, so I think he’ll be doubtful for the game tomorrow,” said Eddie Howe. “I don’t think it’s a big injury at all though, it’s a minor thing with his hamstring, so we hope to get him back very quickly.

"Joe was a big concern, but after a scan, we got the news that it's not serious. Does he have a chance of making it for Wembley? Yeah, he’s definitely got a chance.”

Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin are available to face Liverpool after shrugging off the problems that forced them off the field against Bournemouth last weekend, but Callum Wilson remains a major doubt after he was forced to sit out the 1-1 draw on the south coast.

Wilson continues to struggle with a hamstring injury, with his wellbeing over the next 24 hours set to determine Howe’s starting selection against Liverpool.

“Miguel and Allan are back training, and they’re fine,” said Howe. “Callum has been doing really well – as we said at the time, it was a very minor complaint for him.

“He hasn’t trained yet, but we hope he trains today and then he’s in contention (for Liverpool). The decision will be based on an assessment on whether he’s 100 per cent fit to play.

“He hasn’t trained to this point. The decision (on whether he plays) will always be taken on this game alone, not with a view to the future, and with a view on trying to keep Callum fit, as it would be with any game.”