Newcastle United has been without the defender since the start of November.
Matt Targett might return to Newcastle United’s matchday squad for Monday night’s Premier League showdown against Chelsea (kick-off 8pm).
The Magpies have been without the left-back since he suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of a 3-0 Carabao Cup triumph over Manchester United in November. Targett had surgery and has been away for four months in all.
The 28-year-old returned to training last week but did not play against Blackburn Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Eddie Howe stating: “Matty may need a little more time to be back with the squad simply because his injury was a muscle injury.”
And, after a full week of training, Targett is in contention for the trip to Stamford Bridge, where Newcastle has not won in 12 years. When asked about Targett, Howe informed reporters: “Matt is working his way back to full fitness.” If we needed him right now, I believe he could play, but he still needs some more training time.
“That’s not to say he won’t play in the game, but he’s done well, has had a full week of practice, and is getting closer.
Targett has started only seven Premier League games since signing permanently from Aston Villa for £15 million in the summer of 2022. In the preceding four months on loan, the full-back started 16 games.
Dan Burn has been a fixture at left-back for the previous 18 months, while Newcastle signed Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall in the summer. Targett’s contract at St James’ Park runs until 2026.
