William Osula has returned to training, handing Newcastle United a significant boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Coventry City. The club has also released images of right-back Amar Dedic back in action as preparations for Monday's game at the Coventry Building Society Arena are stepped up.
Double return boosts Jaissle's options
Dedic has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that was expected to rule him out for a month, but head coach Matthias Jaissle was able to assess him ahead of the match. The sight of Osula back on the pitches at the KNOX training ground will delight supporters after a two-month absence.
The 6ft 4in Danish striker was last seen in action in August during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. He has been undergoing rehabilitation for a foot problem, but the three-week break worked in his favour.
Attacking choices for the Sky Blues clash
Osula's comeback gives Jaissle genuine choices in attack for the game against Coventry. Matias Fernandez-Pardo is struggling for confidence and form following his £51million move from Lille, while Yoane Wissa comes into the match on the back of a penalty miss against Hull City.
Osula had spoken warmly of Jaissle's arrival back in August, saying: "A new manager bringing in a new style that he likes to play so everyone is getting ready for the season to start next week. We've already learned his play styles in and out of possession and how he likes to play tactically. It has been good."
He added: "I want to continue to show what I can do, remain confident. I know what I can do on the pitch so it's just keeping doing that."
Osula aims to make up for lost time
Osula ended last season in sparkling form with five goals in his last seven Premier League matches under Eddie Howe. This season he kicked off with an assist against Liverpool after a bursting run to set up Anthony Elanga.
Now he will aim to make up for lost time following a longer-than-anticipated absence, which has left Newcastle lacking height and presence in attack. Dedic came off in the 4-1 loss to Leeds United after an assist-laden start to his Newcastle career, having set up goals against Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion.
