EDDIE HOWE is hoping Sean Longstaff will be available to return for Newcastle United’s top-three clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Longstaff was absent from the squad for yesterday’s 3-1 win over Southampton after sustaining a foot injury in Thursday’s victory at Everton.

It was the first time the midfielder had not been involved in one of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season, but while he was unable to train in the wake of his involvement at Goodison Park, a scan on his foot revealed no long-term damage.

It is hoped he will be given the green light to return to training in the next couple of days, which should ensure his availability for Sunday’s meeting with an Arsenal side that currently sit ten points clear of Newcastle in the table.

“Sean picked up a knock on his foot,” confirmed Howe. “We sent him for an X-ray and there’s no break or fracture, so we just hope it’s bad bruising. He wasn’t able to perform for us today, but he’ll hopefully be back very soon.

“Will the Arsenal game come too soon? I hope not, no, I hope he'll be available pretty soon, but it's difficult to guarantee that.”

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Allan Saint-Maximin was another absentee yesterday, but the Frenchman also has an outside chance of being passed fit to face the Gunners.

Saint-Maximin has not featured since the 5-1 win over West Ham because of a hamstring issue, but his recovery has gathered pace in the last few days and is set to step up again this week.

“We’re seeing improvements from Maxi,” said Howe. “He's been working with us now for a week, he's been working hard with the physiotherapists. He's still not with the sports scientists, there's still a bit for him to do before he's back training, but it’s all positive signs.”

Newcastle are on the brink of guaranteeing European football of some description next season, and need three wins from their remaining five games to be guaranteed a Champions League spot.

Returning to continental competition would have major repercussions in terms of the need to strengthen the squad, but Howe is maintaining his stance of not looking too far into the future.

“I have to be honest and say I haven't really digested that,” he said. “I haven't really taken myself there. It might sound a bit strange, but I haven't.

“I've just focused on the next game and the next challenge and the next training session, and then there will be a time when we have to plan because of recruitment and all the other things that come into play.

“But it's not the time now because there's no guarantee of anything. We still have to win the games we need and get the points we need, so my head is currently where we are presently and that won't change.”