Allan Saint-Maximin could return to the Newcastle squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Frenchman has played just 12 minutes of football since damaging his hamstring at the end of August, but is close to a return after stepping up his rehabilitation.

Midfielder Elliot Anderson is available after recovering from a minor ankle issue, but keeper Karl Darlow (ankle), defenders Paul Dummett (calf) and Emil Krafth (knee), midfielder Matt Ritchie (calf) and striker Alexander Isak (thigh) are still out.

Lucas Digne is ready to return for Aston Villa after recovering from a stress fracture.

The France international has been sidelined since last month but could make the squad to face the Magpies.

Newcastle climbed to fourth in the Premier League following their triumphant 2-1 victory against Tottenham last Sunday, as in-form winger Miguel Almiron netted his fifth goal of the month.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa parted ways with former manager Steven Gerrard ahead of the club’s impressive 4-0 win against Brentford and have since hired ex-Arsenal and Villarreal boss Unai Emery, who will officially start on November 1 due to work permit formalities.

The Spaniard takes over in a bid to resurrect Aston Villa’s poor start to the season, sitting 15th in the league despite the positive result last Sunday.

A win against Villa could see Newcastle climb to third in the league, should Tottenham slip up at Bournemouth on Saturday.