Bournemouth star ruled out of Newcastle United clash amid St James' Park transfer links

AFC Bournemouth will be without Philip Billing for Saturday's Premier League fixture away to Newcastle United (kick-off 3pm).

The 27-year-old was shown a straight red card in the Cherries' recent 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest for raking his studs down Callum Hudson-Odoi's calf as he attempted to break from midfield. Speaking about the incident, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said: “He stopped a counter. I think Phil, his feet is touching the grass - it’s not in the air or dangerous – he steps obviously on the opposition player.

“I knew that VAR was not going to overturn it because normally VAR doesn't get involved. Whenever there is contact, they respect the decision of the referee - with the exception of the other day. But I think it's too harsh.”

As a result, Billing sat out of his side's 3-0 defeat at Fulham last Saturday and will the serve the second of his three match ban against Newcastle this weekend.

The Danish midfielder has been linked with a move to St James' Park in recent weeks, as has Bournemouth teammate Lloyd Kelly, who is set to become a free agent this summer.

Eddie Howe signed the pair as Bournemouth manager in 2019 from Huddersfield Town and Bristol City, respectively, and both have gone on to make a combined total of 312.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could be without a recognised senior striker when they host Bournemouth with both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak a doubt.

Wilson suffered a pectoral injury, the chest muscle that connects to the bones of the upper arm and shoulder, during the latter stages of United's 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday night.

Newcastle's medical team hope they will be able to manage the pain and allow Wilson to feature against his former club but a decision won't be made until later in the week.

If ruled out, that could see Anthony Gordon lead the line once again with Alexander Isak also a doubt. The Swede has missed the last two matches with a recurring groin issue and speaking on Friday, Howe said the 24-year-old had "no fixed return date".