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Newcastle United have been handed a big fitness boost following news that Florian Lejeune’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

The Frenchman sustained a bad knock to his ankle during the first game of the season after a scissor challenge from Harry Kane.

Since then Lejeune has had the injury assessed and the swelling on his ankle has gone down with the player able to work his way back towards full fitness.

Lejeune now has a chance of playing against West Ham United this weekend but should definitely be fit by the time players return after the September international break.

However, the news isn’t so good for hamstring victim Paul Dummett with Benitez admitting he must wait longer for the left-back to return.

When asked for an update on the defensive duo Benitez said: “Paul Dummett will take a little bit longer - so we must wait.

“Florian Lejeune is working very hard and trying to be available as soon as possible.

“The Nottingham Forest game was too early, for West Ham he will have a chance.”

Newcastle are also hoping to welcome back DeAndre Yedlin soon after the full-back picked up a hamstring injury away to Mainz 05 in a pre-season friendly while Dwight Gayle is currently recovering from a sickness bug.