Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew hopes to have Dan Gosling back in training before the end of the month.
The midfielder has played just a few minutes of football this season - in the Wear-Tyne derby - but United expect him to be back before the conclusion of the campaign.
"He is recovering. He should be back in training after (the) Man United (game)," Pardew said. "What can I say about him? I haven't seen a lot of him yet.
"I had a little glimpse of him - he had a little bit of action against Sunderland and I haven't seen him since. Speaking to coaches at Everton and here, he's highly regarded. He's got a lot to prove yet, but there's a great opportunity to see him."
