Both Newcastle United and Brighton will be without some key players for their FA Cup clash this weekend.
Eddie Howe and Co. will host the Seagulls at St James’ Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday (1:45pm). Newcastle secured a spot in the last-16 of the competition, having beaten Birmingham City in the previous round.
The Magpies go into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League in midweek, but have the chance to boost their chances of winning silverware with a victory over Brighton.
However, Howe will be hoping that some key members of his squad are available after missing the defeat to Liverpool. Jamaal Lascelles remains sidelined with a serious knee injury, but other players could still return.
Alexander Isak missed the defeat to Liverpool due to a groin injury but could return to the squad for the clash against Brighton.
“We’ll see today; I haven’t seen him [Isak] since the game, so we’ll see how he is today and have a discussion with him, I’m sure,” Howe told reporters on Friday. “We don’t think it’s a long-term problem.”
Joelinton and Sven Botman have also been sidelined with knee injuries but have a chance of being available to face the Seagulls.
“Sven and Joe have a chance, today is a big day for them,” said Howe. “Today we will see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not. Knowing both players, they will be keen to be involved.”
For Brighton, they will also have some key players on the sidelines. Igor Julio is already ruled out for the remainder of the season, while James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman are also expected to be unavailable to face Newcastle.
