Joe Willock

Willock (calf) was back on the training field with teammates Wednesday, according to his club.

Willock (calf) is nearing a return for Newcastle but will miss Saturday's season opener against Aston Villa, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "Everyone is available apart from Joe [Willock], and he's not too far away himself. We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of injury news."

Willock (calf) is expected to return in early September, according to manager Eddie Howe. "We initially feared he could have injured part of his Achilles, but thankfully that wasn't the case. But it looks like he's got a problem with a muscle in the calf. So we feel the injury isn't as serious as maybe first feared, which is great news for Joe, but it's still going to keep him out for a number of weeks. How many we're not sure, but early diagnosis is looking four to six, which, although being a blow, is probably much better than the initial thought."

Willock was stretchered off the field in a preseason match due to an apparent serious ankle injury, according to manager Eddie Howe, per Craig Hope of The Daily Mail. "I don't have a major update yet, but it didn't look great on the pitch. But at this moment, it doesn't look like a major, major injury. And fingers crossed it's not, because Joe has suffered enough. Hopefully he's ok."

Willock (knee) is on the bench during Sunday's match against Arsenal.