Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will be handed a 'massive' boost if Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes return from injury ahead of Bournemouth's trip to St James' Park on Saturday, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Although the Magpies' away clash with West Ham United did not go ahead last weekend as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Howe's charges will be back in action against his former club.
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What's the latest news involving Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes?
It is understood that Saint-Maximin is on course to return to action when Newcastle take on Bournemouth, while Guimaraes could also be in contention to make the squad.
Saint-Maximin was substituted moments after scoring a late leveller against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and, having sustained a hamstring injury, has missed the meetings with Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, has been absent for the Magpies' last three Premier League clashes and been restricted to just 275 minutes of action since the season got underway.
The 24-year-old picked up a hamstring problem in the closing stages of the Carabao Cup second round win at Tranmere Rovers but, having been called-up by Brazil ahead of the upcoming international break, it seems he is nearing full fitness.
Newcastle go into this weekend's clash against newly-promoted Bournemouth with the two sides locked on seven points apiece.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about the duo?
O'Rourke believes the return of Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes would be welcomed by Howe as he prepares to face a side where he had two spells in charge.
The journalist feels the former would cause Bournemouth's defenders all sorts of problems and make Newcastle even more of a force in the final third of the pitch.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It would be massive to get these two players back fit. Once they are fit, they are two of the first names on the team-sheet for Eddie Howe's side.
"They offer so much to Newcastle going forward, with Saint-Maximin unplayable sometimes."
Why would it come as a big boost if Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes returned?
Newcastle have not picked up a Premier League win since Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes moved onto the treatment table, emphasising their importance to the side.
Guimaraes, who penned a contract worth £120,000-per-week when he made the £40million switch from Lyon in January, has become a key cog in the heart of the Magpies' midfield.
The eight-cap Brazil international, who will be eager to be included in his country's squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, has made 21 appearances following his arrival.
Saint-Maximin, who earns just shy of £39,000-per-week, has racked up 31 goal contributions during his time on Newcastle's books.