EFL ban Newcastle United pair after Brentford incident

Eddie Howe’s side booked their place in the last four with a 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday night. The draw takes place this evening following the conclusion of Tottenham Hotspur versus Manchester United.

With Arsenal and Liverpool left in the competition, the Magpies are facing a difficult semi-final tie. And for the first leg during the week commencing January 6, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes will be suspended.

Having both been booked in the previous rounds against AFC Wimbledon and Nottingham Forest respectively, the pair picked up yellow cards in the first half.

As per EFL rules, any player booked twice in the competition before the semi-final stage is handed a one-match competition ban.

Reacting to the blow, Howe said: “Bruno and Fabby are two massive players for us, very consistent performers so we're going to miss them massively but that's what the squad is for.

“It goes without saying you want your best players available for the biggest games but we just have to accept it. There's nothing we can do about it and we have to get other players ready to perform.

“I think Joe Willock looked bright when he came on which is a plus for him and with Sven [Botman] not too far away, hopefully that can be added competition in the centre back positions.”

Schar and Guimaraes will return for the second leg during the week commencing February 6. Newcastle will have Sean Longstaff available for both legs after he served his one match suspension against Brentford.