JOHN Carver has revealed Newcastle United’s injury problems are easing with Mehdi Abeid, Siem de Jong and Gabriel Obertan all edging closer to full fitness.

Abeid is pushing for a place in the squad for Saturday’s game with Southampton at St James’ Park, while de Jong and Obertan have both returned to training.

The Dutchman could be ready to return to first team action in around three weeks, while Obertan could be back within two.

“There’s some good news on the injury front,” Carver said. “Mehdi Abeid trained with us for the first time today along with Siem de Jong.

“Mehdi is a lot further forward than Siem, obviously because of the injury Siem had.

“Sammy Ameobi managed to play 60 minutes in the reserves and did very, very well so that was pleasing.

“Davide Santon got through another 90 minutes but had a little bit of a tight hamstring afterwards but is fine this morning.

“Gabby is about a week to two weeks away from joining in with the team. He has worked extremely hard and is in great physical condition. Really we just need to get some football in him now.

“It’s good news overall on the fitness front.”

Gutierrez continued his comeback with a goal for the Under-21s earlier in the week, but the winger, who is still a few weeks away from being in contention for the first team.

Carver said: “He has played three reserve games and scored the other night.

“He’s getting fitter and stronger and it’s part of his process. I am liaising with him all the time. Players know better than I do in terms of fitness.

“He is about two or three weeks away from pushing for a first team place.”