The latest injury news and predicted XI as Newcastle United prepare to face Premier League rivals Leicester City on Saturday.
Newcastle United will hope to kickstart an improved run of form this weekend when they host Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.
Eddie Howe’s side were punished for a dismal second-half display as they emerged empty-handed from their visit to Brentford last weekend and that continued what has been a season hampered by inconsistency for the Magpies. Despite being widely viewed as contenders for a European place this season, Newcastle are sat in the bottom half of the Premier League table and that means the festive period feels even more crucial as they look to haul themselves back towards the top six.
It has been widely reported the St. James’ Park hierarchy aim to become regular contenders in European competition and that could also mean their planning for the January transfer window carries even further importance as they look to strengthen Howe’s squad ahead of the second half of the season. Saturday’s meeting with Leicester provides a chance to kick off the Christmas period on a high – although Howe has been handed some pretty drab injury news ahead as they prepare to host the Foxes.
Goalkeeper and defence
There was an unwanted injury concern added to Eddie Howe’s issues this week when it was reported England goalkeeper Nick Pope had picked up a knee injury at Brentford and that has made him a doubt for Saturday’s home game. That could mean Martin Dubravka deputises or Howe could opt to hand a start to summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Sven Botman is closing in on a return to fitness and has been pencilled in to feature for the Magpies Under-21s on Monday before being fully in contention for a return to Premier League action. Fellow centre-back Jamaal Lascelles and right-back Emil Krafth will not be back in contention until the new year as they make their way back from respective knee and shoulder injuries.
Midfield
Joe Willock is expected to be available after he missed the defeat at Brentford with a minor hamstring injury. That means Howe has his full quota of midfield players available meaning he must decide whether to hand a recall to Sandro Tonali after the Italy international was named amongst the substitutes in last weekend’s loss to the Bees.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro TonaliNewcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali | Getty Images
Forwards
There was further bad news for the Magpies earlier this week when Callum Wilson confirmed he had suffered a setback in his bid to return to regular action. The England striker made four substitute appearances since returning from a back injury last month but is now set for another spell on the sidelines after he picked up a hamstring injury. That means Alexander Isak will carry the brunt of the Magpies attacking threat and could mean some game-time for summer signing William Osula over the hectic festive period. Harvey Barnes could feature against his former club.
Dubravka, Livramento, Hall, Schar, Burn, Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
