Newcastle are facing injury issues ahead of their second-leg tie in the semi-final of the EFL Cup against Arsenal.
The Magpies have a lead to protect after cruising to victory against the Gunners in North London in the first-leg in January.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon saw Newcastle run out 2-0 winners at the Emirates, leaving Mikel Arteta’s team with a mountain to climb at St. James’ Park.
However, Arsenal beat Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday afternoon, and will be buoyed by this exceptional result when they take on the Tynesiders, looking for a place in the final.
Eddie Howe provides Newcastle injury update
While Arsenal’s squad is stretched and looking threadbare, Newcastle have issues of their own to contend with.
Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday morning, Eddie Howe issued an injury update, revealing that two long-term absentees remain sidelined.
“Our two injuries at the moment with Callum coming back and Harvey Barnes out – and Jamal Lascelles out – we don’t have sort of a huge burden of injuries at the moment, but we still have a tight squad,” the Magpies boss said.
“So that’s why I say that that managing that with the games we have to come is going to be hugely important to us. We need to try and keep everyone that we have fit and available remaining.”
Harvey Barnes is currently missing due to a thigh injury, and isn’t expected back until later this month, while Jamal Lascelles won’t be in action until mid-March with a knee issue.
Meanwhile, Howe also confirmed that Joelinton faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.
The Brazilian was in a knee brace over the weekend as a precaution, and remains a doubt for the visit of Arsenal.
Callum Wilson is a welcome return for the Toon, with the striker providing Howe with an alternative to Isak if the Swedish striker is flagging late in the game.
Predicted Newcastle line-up v Arsenal
The Geordie faithful are desperate to see their team win a trophy, and thus this game is extremely important to Howe and the club.
The English manager will likely field as strong a team as he can to face Arsenal.
That could include a return for Sven Botman, who has been kept on the bench in recent matches after being hooked at half-time in Newcastle’s loss to Bournemouth.
Joe Willock may well start against his former club if Joelinton isn’t deemed fit enough to feature, while Gordon and Jacob Murphy will accompany Isak in the front three.
Newcastle predicted line-up: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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