The Magpies came from 1-0 down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday but had to do it without star striker Alexander Isak after he was forced to withdraw at half-time.
“It was a strange one as the ball just grazed his eye and we felt at that time that was the main reason for him coming off the pitch. Then he had a knock to his foot as well so he’s got a combination of the two,” Eddie Howe said on Friday. “We’ll make a decision today.”
Should Isak need to drop out of the starting XI then Howe will have to choose between Anthony Gordon and Will Osula, who is yet to make an appearance since his £15million move from Sheffield United.
It was Gordon who played in Isak’s place at Molineux, despite Osula being a recognised striker. Callum Wilson is not in contention as he continues to recover from a back/hamstring issue.
“I think we’re looking at Callum to be [back] for the next international break in full training, ready for the games following,” said Howe. “Of course that leaves Anthony who did a brilliant job for us against Wolves and Will Osula who has done really well since being with us. I know he hasn’t played any minutes yet but we’ve been delighted with his progress, he’s got all the tools. We feel we have good cover.”
Howe admitted in his pre-match press conference that the midfield is causing him the biggest selection headache. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff started at Wolves but Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali both impressed from the bench.
“Is it the toughest midfield selection conundrum? Yeah, I think so,” said Howe. “But these are the decisions that we wanted when we signed those players. We felt we needed those, especially for a season in the Champions League. Then when you add Lewis Miley to that group, you’ve got six outstanding central midfield players.
“But a club like ourselves, with the ambitions that we have, we need that strength in depth, and we possibly don’t have that in other positions in the squad. So my wish is that they all stay fit, they all push each other, and I have some really tough decisions to make.”
How will Newcastle line-up in West London? Here’s our prediction.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Has already shown exactly why Newcastle missed him so much last season. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has competition from Kieran Trippier but has so far started every week Premier League game so far. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Marked his return to the side with a goal last weekend, a moment that summed up his unique qualities. | Getty Images
4. LB: Lloyd Kelly
The pace of Adama Traore will cause problems down Newcastle's left side and Kelly, as a more natural defender, may be best to deal with it. | Getty Images