NEWCASTLE United are set for a double boost, with Alexander Isak and Joe Willock both closing in on a return to action.

The pivotal duo have resumed training this week, according to Mail Online, and could be in contention to be involved at Arsenal this weekend.

Willock has been missing since the middle of November after suffering a recurrence of the Achilles injury that sidelined the midfielder last season, while Isak hasn't played since January because of a groin issue.

Newcastle could yet opt for Isak to have surgery on the problematic groin injury in the summer but the Magpies are hoping they can manage the striker through the remaining stages of the campaign, especially with Callum Wilson now set to miss the bulk of the rest of the season after having surgery on a chest injury at the end of last week.

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Howe admitted after Saturday's draw with Bournemouth - in which Anthony Gordon led the line - that it's a major blow to be without both strikers.

"You're going to miss players of that quality, I'm not denying that," he said.

"They're both very different but have stand out qualities the team will miss. It's a huge blow but it's not just those players, it's other players, in midfield especially, and that's why I have to compliment the players who are fit and have been for a period of time."

The return of Willock will also allow Howe to be more flexible in midfield, where the Magpies have been stretched.

The severity of Fabian Schar's injury remains unclear at this stage.

The defender used his shirt as a sling as he made his way off the pitch after the Bournemouth draw.  A late shot on goal had hit Schar in the arm. Howe was hoping the injury was nothing more than a twisted wrist.