Florian Lejeune damaged his anterior-cruciate ligament against Crystal Palace back in April, having recovered from the same problem a few months earlier, and now he is set to return to action.
Lejeune, who proved a valuable asset for the Magpies during the 2017/2018 season, picking up two assists in the Premier League, will turn out for Newcastle U23s tonight as he looks to make his way back to the first team following a string of set backs.
The Magpies are currently short on defensive cover, with Fabian Schar out due to a knee injury, so the imminent return of Lejeune is a welcome sight for Steve Bruce's side.
Lejeune has been steadily making his way back to full fitness over the last two months, rejoining training at the end of September and now ready to play his first full game this season.
A statement on the club's official website read: "After undergoing surgery, he spent time at a rehabilitation centre in Rome before returning to Tyneside for pre-season, and has steadily built up the strength in his knee over the last few months.
"Lejeune has now returned to full training and will play his first match since his operation as Neil Redfearn's under-23s take on their North East neighbours in Premier League 2."
Speaking to Newcastle United's official website, the 28-year-old stated how great Newcastle fans have been in motivating him to recover.
"I had great support from the whole of my family, the club and of course there were all the messages from the Newcastle fans which really touched me too," said Lejeune.
"The fact that is I already have a good strong mentality and now after these two injuries I think that my mindset is even stronger.
"I think that I have done everything that I possibly could have done to make a full recovery in as short a period as possible.
"I've put everything in on my side, and the club can see all the work I do on a daily basis. So, I feel good mentally, it was just hard for me right at the beginning of my rehab, but the further on you get in the process, the closer you get towards the finish line."
Indeed, Lejeune's strength in the face of adversity has been commendable, and the Magpies will need plenty of that in their upcoming fight to avoid the drop.
Newcastle fans, desperate to see Lejeune return? Let us know in the comment section below!