GEBRUS

The Algeria international arrived from Leicester on loan in January with a thigh problem and is yet to pull on a black and white shirt, but he could make the squad for the first time this weekend.

Rafa Benitez has dismissed suggestions that victory over Huddersfield would end Newcastles Premier League relegation fears with a victory taking them onto 35 points.

 

"No, no chance, I dont agree. If we win tomorrow, it will be a big step forward, but I still say 40 points is the figure," he said. "It may be less, but we have to play, we have to win and, after that, still we have to keep fighting because we still have a lot of games to play.

 

"When you are getting closer to the end, these games are even more important. We know our position and for us, its a massive game. Its a massive game also for them. Depending on this game, things could be a little bit easier, but still we will have to keep going to the end."

 

Huddersfield boss David Wagner insists his future does not hinge on the clubs Premier League survival bid, despite being linked with several jobs, including a return to the Bundesliga.

"What weve spoken about in detail, I think this is a conversation between him [chairman Dean Hoyle] and me," Wagner said. "This is more or less routine. We had this conversation this time last year and it doesnt really make sense because its all about our Premier League status.

 

"Last season it was all about the play-offs and this is why we agreed - lets do the job and then go into detail in the conversation. In the end we have to be sure and focused - bring us to Premier League season II. This is the only focus."

 

Elsewhere for Newcastle, Matt Ritchie is also fit after withdrawing from the Scotland squad with a groin problem, and full-back Jesus Gamez has recovered from a long-term ankle injury.

However, Joselu will remain sidelined by an ankle injury

 

Huddersfield pair Aaron Mooy and Philip Billing are expected to be in contention after both withdrawn early from international duty this week, but have returned to training and hope to feature.

Terence Kongolo (hip) could also return to the squad after injury, but Danny Williams (fractured fibula) and Michael Hefele (knee) are still out.