Tino Livramento (L) and Kieran Trippier (R) of Newcastle United(Image: 2025 Allstar)

Newcastle United have been handed a major pre-match boost ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace at St James' Park.

After being hamstrung by multiple defensive issues, the Magpies had the welcome sight of three returning players against the Eagles.

Ex-England star Kieran Trippier is back from a thigh injury after missing 45 days with the muscle problem and sitting out of 12 games. Dutchman Sven Botman has returned for the first time since appearing in the 2-1 win over Manchester City on Tyneside last year.

And significantly full-back Tino Livramento is also back in the match day squad this afternoon, with all three arriving at St James' Park ahead of the game.

Speaking about the importance of leaders being back, Howe said before the game: "I think the leadership aspect is probably one that gets ignored in terms of when those players are missing and what we miss.

"If you look at Dan Burn, Sven [Botman], Kieran [Trippier], [Nick Pope], regardless of the individual names, there is a lot of experience...