Jonjo Shelvey

The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to a charge of misconduct dating back to September’s Championship defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’s Park.

Shelvey is alleged to have used racially-aggravated language towards a Romain Saiss during the fixture, which Newcastle lost 2-0.

And the Gazette understands that Shelvey – who faces a minimum five-match ban if found guilty – is set to go before an independent commission in the week before Christmas.

That means that the 24-year-old will be available for tomorrow night’s game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground as well as Championship fixtures against Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion.

United manager Rafa Benitez has made no comment on the charge.

However, the club issued a statement earlier this month confirming that Shelvey would plead not guilty.

It read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Jonjo Shelvey has pleaded not guilty to an FA charge of misconduct in relation to an alleged incident during Newcastle United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 17 September.

“The player has requested a personal hearing with the FA regarding this matter.

“The club will be making no further comment until the matter has been concluded.”

Shelvey has been an influential figure on the pitch for Championship-leading United so far this season.