The Magpies’ influential captain has been sidelined for two months after coming off injured in February’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.
Eddie Howe’s side have certainly missed him, but he could make his long-awaited comeback at some stage against the Cherries.
There are three changes to the starting XI. Joelinton is suspended – this is the first game of a two-match ban for accumulating ten bookings – and Anthony Gordon has a minor hip flexor injury. Jacob Murphy drops to the bench.
Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga come in. With all five of the team’s leadership group named as substitutes, Sandro Tonali wears the captain’s armband.
William Osula, who scored at Selhurst Park last weekend in a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, continues up front, with Lewis Miley making his second start in a row after returning from injury.
Aaron Ramsdale in goal will look to keep out one of his former clubs. He made 37 appearances for Bournemouth and was named as the Cherries’ player of the year in 2019/20.
Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali (c), Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Tino Livramento, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley
Substitutes: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy, Bruno Guimarães
