The central midfielder has been on the sidelines with an ankle injury for around eight weeks, but has been working tirelessly with the Club’s medical staff to return as quickly as possible.
That work has paid off and he could make his return on Saturday.
“It’s a big boost,” admitted Johnson. “Joe has been training with us now for a week going on 10 days.
“We still have to be a little bit cautious about his load because he’s still having some impingement in the ankle, but at the same time, a fit Joe Newell certainly adds quality and composure in the starting XI or from the bench.”
We provided an update on the injured players last week, and whilst there are still key players out, Johnson is pleased with the depth in his squad.
“We feel like we’ve got quality, even with the players we’ve got out injured, and we’re starting to see signs that the recruitment has been good over the two windows.”
The Hibees will unfortunately be without Élie Youan who is misses out through suspension.
Kyle Magennis, Rocky Bushiri, Martin Boyle and Aiden McGeady are all longer-term absentees.