Ciaran Clark back for Newcastle

Posted Sunday, April 23, 2017 by PA

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has received mixed news on the injury front ahead of Monday's clash with Preston.

Defender Ciaran Clark is set to make a welcome return to the squad having been sidelined since March after suffering a knee injury in the home game with Fulham.

However, striker Dwight Gayle "is still not ready and working with the physios" as he continues to struggle with a niggling hamstring problem.

DeAndre Yedlin returned to the Magpies' starting line-up in Monday's 3-1 defeat at Ipswich after a lengthy absence and he should keep his place.

Boss Simon Grayson is hoping his Preston side can be party poopers at St James' Park.

Newcastle's promotion back to the Premier League will be confirmed if they win but Grayson is hoping to put their celebrations on hold.

He told North End's official website: "People will say they have spent a lot of money but they have replaced people they have lost for large sums and balanced the books. It has gone a long way to getting them back in the Premiership but we want to do something about that. Hopefully my players will go out and make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Newcastle players."

Tyias Browning is back in contention for the trip after two months out with a knee injury while Alex Baptiste serves the final game of a three-match suspension.