Newcastle’s De Jong could face Crystal Palace

De Jong travelled with his team-mates to London for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

And head coach John Carver – who has revealed that Rolando Aarons will return to training next week – may decide if he is ready to play a part against Alan Pardew’s side.

Forward De Jong has been out since early September, when he suffered a serious thigh injury in training.

The 26-year-old, signed from Ajax last summer, has played in two Under-21 games since returning to full fitness, and Carver is looking forward to having him available.

“There’s a chance he’s going to be travelling,” said Carver.

“He’s an experienced footballer. He’s a level head, he’s a great finisher. We’ve got to find a way to get him involved in the dynamics of the team.

“Whether that’s from the bench or starting is another thing.”

Ameobi suffered a knock in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Stoke City at St James’s Park.

“He took a knock, but he should be fine,” said Carver.

Forward Ameobi – whose elder brother Shola is not expected to feature for Palace – has featured heavily under Carver.

“Sammy is learning,” said Carver. “He’s got great ability and great technical ability – he can do something from nothing.

“But the one worry was the physical side of things – working up and down, like Remy Cabella – but he’s bringing that into his game.”

Meanwhile, winger Aarons has been out since early November after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring problem.

However, the 19-year-old – who broke into the first team squad early in the campaign after impressing in pre-season – is pencilled in to return to training next week.

“Rolando will start work with Dave Billows, fitness and conditioning guy, on Thursday,” said Carver.

“He will start training with us on Monday.”