Crystal Palace v Newcastle United injury news as six players ruled out

Newcastle United head to Crystal Palace knowing a win will see them open up an eight-point lead over fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe’s side beat Fulham last Sunday after Alexander Isak’s 89th-minute winner, However, the only downside was Bruno Guimaraes’ enforced withdrawal.

The Brazilian rolled his ankle early in the first-half. He tried to continue but was in tears as the half-time whistle approached at the thought of he’d done something serious.

But his scan results brought positive news, and that could see the 24-year-old involved at Selhurst Park, whether that be from the start or as a substitute.

Howe, speaking on Friday, said: “He’s OK. He was devastated to come off the pitch and probably thought at the time he had serious damage to his ankle.

“Hopefully the scan did come back with positive news. I say hopefully because until the player’s back, you never quite know. Hopefully it’s not a long-term injury.”

United will definitely be without Jonjo Shelvey (calf) and Matt Targett (heel), though both players are on track to return next month.

"Initially six weeks was sort of the guideline and it was a guideline because both injuries were not clear, as in that’s going to be the time they’ll be back,” Howe said. “So six weeks was a rough estimate.

“I think they’re on track to make those at the moment, I’ve lost track of time so I’m not sure how far away they are. Possibly three weeks to go on the respective recoveries."

Meanwhile, Emil Krafth is continuing his recovery from an ACL injury.

Out of the Crystal Palace players missing, Joachim Andersen is the standout name. The defender picked up a calf injury during last weekend’s defeat at Chelsea and missed the midweek draw with Manchester United.

James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson are yet to be handed a return date.