JOE WILLOCK has stepped up his training programme during the international break and should be able to return to action in the next couple of weeks.

Willock suffered a thigh injury within minutes of scoring the opening goal in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win at Nottingham Forest last month, and was forced off in the 15th minute at the City Ground.

The midfielder was only just returning from a recurring Achilles issue that sidelined him for big chunks of last season, and it was initially feared he had suffered another major setback that would require a lengthy lay-off.

A post-match scan allayed those fears, revealing only a minor thigh-muscle tear, and Willock was given the green light to return to training at the start of the international break.

The 25-year-old posted a video to social media earlier this week that showed him sprinting with the ball at his feet, and while he is currently training individually, he should be able to join in with group sessions again soon.

Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Wolves is likely to come too soon for him, but he could be available for the game with Fulham at Craven Cottage on September 21.

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His return to full fitness will be a major boost for Eddie Howe, with Willock’s immediate impact in the League Cup win at Forest underlining his attacking qualities.

The former Arsenal midfielder will further strengthen a midfield unit that now boasts Sandro Tonali alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff.

Lewis Miley continues to make good progress with his own injury comeback, but remains around a month away from a return to action.

Miley suffered a broken metatarsal during pre-season, and was always expected to be sidelined for around three months.

He is yet to start outdoor training, but could be available by the end of the next international break, which is scheduled for mid-October.

Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will not be back by then, but the defensive duo should both be in the first-team fold by the end of the year. The pair continue to recover from cruciate-ligament injuries and have been pencilled in for possible returns in December.