Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has a 50 percent chance to feature in the must-win game against Leicester City on Saturday, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a thigh tear while training with Ghana ahead of last month's clash with Egypt.
Manager Rafa Benitez revealed this week that the Ghana international could return to the side for the clash at St James' Park as he nears a return to full fitness.
But fresh reports in England are suggesting the former Chelsea man has a 50% chance of making the squad for the crucial game on Saturday.
United are desperate to pick their first win in seven attempts in what has been a difficult campaign for the Premier League returnees.
Rafa Benitez's men have slipped alarmingly down the table in recent weeks and they cannot afford to drop more points when they host the Foxes.
Newcastle are currently 15th in the table, only five points clear of the relegation zone with the busy Christmas fixtures fast approaching.