Newcastle United latest updates: A highly-anticipated showdown with Liverpool is next on the agenda for Eddie Howe’s team in the Premier League.

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Newcastle’s second league outing of the campaign, and their first at St James’ Park since the final matchday of last term, sees them lock horns with defending champions Liverpool. Encounters between the Magpies and the Reds are consistently among the most watched worldwide, but Monday night’s fixture could carry added weight.

This meeting comes amid the saga of Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool after months of rumours over his future. The Swede has already been the subject of one formal bid from Anfield, though Newcastle dismissed it as falling well short of their valuation, and no improved proposal has followed.

Relations between the two fanbases have intensified in recent weeks, with both clubs expected to go full throttle once Simon Hooper signals the start on Monday evening.

Just five days before kickoff, Newcastle received a timely boost as fresh images showed Joe Willock back training with teammates. The midfielder has been sidelined since hobbling off late in the pre-season defeat to Team K-League in South Korea.

Concerns for Willock were initially grave, though Eddie Howe quickly played them down after full-time. A few days later, he admitted the midfielder would miss roughly a month, saying: “At first we worried about an Achilles issue,” Howe explained, “but thankfully it wasn’t that. It’s instead a calf muscle problem.”

“So, while the situation isn’t as bad as feared – which is brilliant for Joe – he still faces some weeks out. We’re not sure exactly how long, but the early outlook is four to six, which, although disappointing, is far better than first expected. A dose of positive news for Joe Willock.”

An official update on Wednesday confirmed Willock had trained, suggesting his recovery is ahead of schedule. While he may not start against Liverpool, having him back in the frame offers Howe a vital lift heading into another fierce Premier League battle.

New signing Jacob Ramsey has also linked up with teammates in training following his switch from Aston Villa. Newcastle will pay £39m initially for Ramsey, a figure that could climb to £43m once bonuses are triggered.

Ramsey was absent for Saturday’s curtain-raiser against his former club but could feature on Monday night. Newcastle have not beaten Liverpool in the league for nearly ten years, though they memorably triumphed the last time the sides met, in March’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.