Newcastle United have received some very encouraging injury news as they prepare to face Leeds United in Saturday’s 12:30 Premier League kick-off.
Sean Longstaff was sent to see a specialist on Tuesday after missing home matches against Southampton and Arsenal because of a foot issue.
After sustaining the injury during the 4-1 win at Everton on April 27, head coach Eddie Howe thought “it was a standard injury” before it was feared “there may be a chance of something more serious”.
And following further assessment, it is understood the 25-year-old has not picked up a serious injury i.e. broken a bone. He remains a doubt for the visit to Elland Road but is in line to return for remaining fixtures against Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea.
Despite losing 2-0 to Arsenal on Sunday, Newcastle’s Champions League challenge remains firmly in their own hands but Liverpool’s upturn in form has brought some cause for worry.
Following back-to-back wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, Jurgen Klopp’s fifth-place side sit three points behind Newcastle, though they do have a game in hand.
Howe & Co know the task at hand. Seven points from their remaining four games will mathematically guarantee a top-four finish, and a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years.
Leeds, meanwhile, are fighting to save their Premier League status and have called upon former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce. His reign started with a 2-1 loss at Manchester City on Saturday.
Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the latest team news from both camps, including two doubts and seven absences.
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1. Leeds United's US midfielder Tyler Adams (L) vies with Newcastle United's Brazilian striker Joelinton during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 31, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Jamaal Lascelles - out
Lascelles will miss the remainder of the season due to a calf injury.
3. Emil Krafth - out
Krafth is recovering from an ACL injury and is targetting a return in pre-season. Photo: Gualter Fatia
4. Ryan Fraser - out
Fraser will leave St James’ Park this summer after falling out with Eddie Howe. Photo: Jan Kruger