The Toon boss knows that injuries are beginning to clear up but insists that no risks will be taken with certain players

Matthias Jaissle has dropped a couple of hints on the fitness of key men Dan Burn and William Osula ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace.

The German head coach suggested that Dan Burn is edging ever closer to a start after back-to-back cameos in the last two Premier League matches. Burn and Osula both took part in an extra fitness session in the direct aftermath of the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa as the preparations for Selhurst Park got under way immediately on Saturday night.

Both Burn and Osula were seen involved in an intense running session which will push both stars closer to being back in from the start. Although, Jaissle has revealed that Osula may have to wait a little longer before being back in his opening line-up.

Jaissle said: "It is getting better and that helps us for sure.

"Especially getting senior players, as it gives us the stability, we had that against Villa with Joelinton, Dan Burn is getting fitter and fitter, and William Osula is getting back slowly but surely.

"We must consider that Will has been out a long time. We need to be smart now with the load management; we don't want to miss them again.

"Things are looking a little bit brighter now."

Burn was thrown on at the death as an emergency centre-forward against Villa, but Jaissle made it clear he will soon be back in his original position.

The Toon boss said: "He is getting the physical back, which is really important for him.

"He was quite long out, but he is getting better and better physical wise. Hopefully, soon we can see him again in his natural position.

"I think people are smart enough to know this was a tactical approach for the additional time. We went all in and in that occasion, I'm aware he is a centre-back, so don't doubt that."

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