DeAndre Yedlin and Andy Carroll to return for Newcastle

Yedlin missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City after injuring his hip, while Carroll was also absent at the weekend with a rib problem, but the pair are due to train this afternoon.

Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles remain unavailable for the trip to Bramall Lane, but Newcastle’s injury list is improving, even if both Yedlin and Carroll could find themselves on the substitutes’ bench even if they are passed fit.

Bruce said: “If they come through training this afternoon and have no effects, they could be involved tomorrow.”

Florian Lejeune is available after completing his recovery from two cruciate ligament operations, but the Spaniard did not make the matchday squad at the weekend, with Fabian Schar the only centre-half named on the bench.

Lejeune was one of Newcastle’s most influential performers last season, and while Bruce remains reluctant to push the Frenchman too hard given his injury record, he expects him to play an increasingly important role in the remainder of the campaign.

He said: “I had a conversation with him a week ago. I said you’ve had two big injuries so the longer he trains, the better physically and mentally he becomes.

“Yes, he’s ready, but the longer we can get him playing on the grass the better. He had a tough time. When the time is right, let’s hope we can introduce him and he stays fit.”