BRUNO Guimarães continues to be troubled by the ankle injury he suffered earlier this season - but the Brazilian midfielder is expected to be fit enough to be available for Newcastle United at Everton on Thursday night.

Bruno has been managing the ankle injury since January and, after finally thinking he'd shaken it off, aggravated the problem during Sunday's 6-1 win over Tottenham.

The midfielder has been treated this week and continues to work closely with the club's medical team, and Eddie Howe is confident he'll be ready to start at Goodison Park.

He said: "Bruno, we think will be OK.

"There's a slight issue there where he's twisted his ankle initially, it was quite a nasty injury.

"When he has an action in a game, whether it's a kick or a twist, there's a slight bit of pain in his ankle then it really settles down quite quickly. He's in consultation with the medical team. He went through a spell of about two weeks where it didn't bother him at all. He aggravated it again on Sunday.

"We don't see it being a long term problem but that's for the medical team and Bruno to hopefully find a solution."

While Bruno looks set to play at Everton, the Magpies could be without Fabian Schar, who injured his hamstring against Spurs, one of a few Newcastle players carrying niggles.

Howe said: "We have a couple of knocks.

"Fab we'll have to check and make a late call on and it's the same situation with a couple of the other lads."

Speaking at his press conference on Wednesday morning, Howe also provided an update on Allan Saint-Maximin, who is back at the club's training base having spent time in France getting treatment for a hamstring injury. The winger is not yet ready for a return to action.

Howe said: "He's back, he's working hard to try and get fully fit. We're pleased to have him back, but it's too early (for him to play).”