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Newcastle United are eagerly awaiting the return of Callum Wilson but forgotten midfield man Lewis Miley is another set to emerge from the sidelines in the coming weeks.

The 18-year-old missed the business end of last term with a stress fracture in his lower back following an unexpected breakout season in the senior side before picking up a serious metatarsal injury during pre-season. Miley has been back on the grass, training, for the last month and is expected to make his first-team towards the end of this month.

The teen sensation will be slowly reintroduced to the first-team off the bench but once up to speed will face an almighty battle to win his spot back in Howe's XI following the recent return of Sandro Tonali. Miley featured 26 times in total during a packed campaign last year as Newcastle wrestled with Tonali's ban and injuries to Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.

Miley has already proven capable of earning his spot among the senior stars but a phased return and limited game time will no doubt suit both the player and the club as precautions are put in place to avoid another serious issue and subsequent lengthy absence.

The midfielder's sustained run in Howe's side last term did wonders for his development but making such a leap at such a tender age carries risks of injuries occurring further down the line given his body continues to grow. Thankfully, new performance director, James Bunce, is in place to ensure Newcastle avoid rushing key men back from the sidelines too soon.

Discussing Miley's recent injury issues and the next steps that need to be taken, Ben Dinnery, founder of Premier Injuries, recently told Chronicle Live: "We've had several examples in recent times, in the Premier League, of players who've come in and suffered with this issue. I think Franca from Crystal Palace was a player who suffered a lower back stress fracture. We even had the likes of Stefan Bajcetic from Liverpool as well, who has had a significant spell out different types of injuries.

"These are all linked to that increase of intensity, from transitioning from junior or academy or development side, to first team and Premier League football. If managed correctly, then the prognosis is good.

"Marcus Rashford is a good example of someone who suffered with a lower back stress fracture a few seasons ago. He was managed, took time away from the game, was allowed to rest, recover, mature and grow and then eventually return and gradually integrated back in. This season aside, most of his performances since have been fairly positive."