Bruce provides injury update ahead of Man United trip

The Magpies face Ole Gunnar Solskjær's title challengers at Old Trafford aiming for a first away victory against the Red Devils since December 2013.

Despite the absence of United trio, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schär and Javier Manquillo, who all suffered injuries in Newcastle's 3-2 win against Southampton a fortnight ago, Bruce confirmed that there are no additional injuries ahead of the weekend's trip, adding centre-back Federico Fernández, who suffered a calf injury in January, returned to training this week although the Argentine defender is unavailable to face Man United.

"There are no new injuries ahead of the weekend," Bruce said. "Thankfully, at the minute, we're okay.

"Fernández trained yesterday and the day before for the first time in a month. Unfortunately, Man United will be too soon for him but we're hoping he will be ready for Wolves.

"They're all going to be (out for) weeks, I don't think we can put an exact timescale on it. Fabian Schär's had his operation, Callum (Wilson) has a muscle injury so we have got to be patient and wait.

"The one that looks better than most is (Javier) Manquillo. He twisted his ankle badly but is responding very well to his treatment." 

Newcastle currently sit six points above the drop zone on 25 points, with relegation-threatened Fulham facing Sheffield United, sitting at the foot of the table, on Saturday night.

Bruce, though, remains fully focused on the task ahead and is hopeful of building on recent league victories against Everton and Southampton. 

He added: "I've always said that it's your accumulation of points and what you get at the end of the season. No matter what anyone else does, you have to set yourself a target of whatever that points tally will be. A couple of points separate a host of teams so we're not alone in it. 

"Fulham have closed the gap a bit but are still struggling. They've only won one of their last 13 games so it's all to play for.

"You're always looking over your shoulder if you're in the bottom half of the division. It's how we approach the games coming up. We've had a couple of victories in the last few weeks so let's see what we can do.

Bruce, who won three Premier League titles with Manchester United as a player, is aware of the challenge his side face against his former club, who beat the Magpies in October during a 4-1 win after scoring three goals in the closing stages at St. James' Park.

The Red Devils, who currently lie in second place, also sealed an emphatic 4-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Europa League knockout stages on Thursday night, but Bruce believes his team are capable of springing a surprise.

"We know how difficult it is going to be. They were magnificent in Turin against a very good (Real) Sociedad team. They've ripped them to bits so we know what they've got - there is a threat at the top end of the pitch so we're going to have to defend well. 

"Sheffield United went there three weeks ago and won 2-1 so you can never say never. The beauty of the Premier League is that there's never a given. Yes, we're going to have to play well and defend well but it's the Premier League, we've always got a chance.

"We did very well for long periods of the last game (against Man United) and after, 85 minutes, it was 1-1 so that gives you a bit of hope." 

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