Lewis Miley reveals likely return date ahead of Man Utd, Man City and Barcelona games

It’s fair to say that Lewis Miley has been a huge miss for Newcastle United for the last month of fixtures.

The teenager was amongst our very best performers week in and week out, both in midfield and deputising in defence, even being named the club’s Player of the Month back in December.

But having been out on the sidelines with a reported ‘dead leg’, our form has suffered tremendously with neither Miley or club captain Bruno Guimaraes to call upon.

A return looks to be on the horizon however, as the player himself has revealed when fans can expect to see him on the pitch again. And it’s a big one…

Miley eyeing Barca clash

Speaking at the North East Football Writers Awards on Sunday night, Lewis Miley has revealed he’s pushing to return in time for second leg against Barcelona in the Champions League later this month.

The 19-year-old, who scooped the prestigious Men’s Young Player of the Year award at event, will remain absent for the next four games in our schedule however: Man Utd in the league, Man City in the FA Cup, the first leg against Barcelona at St James’ Park, then Chelsea in the league on 14th March.

As revealed by Craig Hope, Miley revealed that his target comeback game will be our trip to Spain on 18th March:

“It’s getting there now. I got a knock to my leg and it’s caused some muscle damage.

"It’s been very frustrating but hopefully I am back out there soon & doing what I love.  I am hoping for the Barcelona away game.

"I was in really good form, so it’s been frustrating. But I need to be positive and keep looking forward.”

So, positive to get a better idea on his comeback after weeks of vague updates, but it's a concern that he's set to miss our next four in league, cup and Champions League after already missing our busy month of February.

Who else could play against Barcelona?

After what’s been a rather bleak month of results, the news that a number of crucial stars are nearing a return for another huge few weeks of fixtures will be a massive relief for both Eddie Howe and the fans.

The gaffer revealed that Tino Livramento is on track for a return early this month, having suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth back in January.

Jacob Ramsey was surprisingly subbed off with a sudden sickness in the game against Everton this past weekend. You would expect that he’ll be fit for Wednesday’s game against Michael Carrck’s Red Devils.

But unfortunately, there’s still going to be no Bruno. The Brazilian media hinted last week that it’ll be at least another month before he makes his return, with April 11th against Crystal Palace in the league looking like the earliest possible date.