SVEN Botman is making what Eddie Howe describes as "good progress" in his recovery from a serious knee injury and is expected to resume light training in the coming weeks.
But the centre-half isn't expected to be back in action for Newcastle United until the end of January.
Botman hasn't played since March, with fellow centre-half Jamaal Lascelles suffering a similar injury a fortnight later.
Updating on the pair, Eddie Howe said: "They're on different spells of their recovery, Jamaal will be some time after Sven.
"Sven is making good progress and we hope that he can begin light training with us within the next few weeks but there's still a jump from training to playing so we still need to be patient with him again.
"If we see him before the end of the year that would be a bonus but we're probably looking at more January for him."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Lee Carsley on Lewis Hall England selection & 'great phone call' with Newcastle man
- Eddie Howe 's surprise view on comparison between Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak
Howe doesn't have any fresh injury concerns to deal with ahead of Sunday's game at Nottingham Forest, but confirmed Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier will again miss out.
Jacob Murphy is in contention to return after his short spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Howe said: "I don't think anything new has developed. We're still in the situation where we're working to get the players back who are currently injured. They're in a decent enough place. We're happy."
Meanwhile, Howe told of his delight for Lewis Hall after the full-back was called up to the England senior squad for the first time this week.
Hall had to be patient in a frustrating first season on Tyneside after joining from Chelsea but Howe said the 20-year-old is now reaping the rewards of his behind the scenes work.
"I'm delighted for Lewis," he said.
"He's had a really good start to the season. Very consistent and mature displays. There's still a lot more to come from him. We're seeing him evolve and develop. He's adding layers to his game.
"Its a great achievement for someone so young, we're delighted for him. We signed a very talented player, there's no doubt about that. He just had a few things to work on, as we all do. The most impressive thing was he committed to that. The work he put in behind the scenes that nobody sees. Credit to him for doing that and he's now reaping the rewards."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here