Joe Willock injury latest as three Newcastle United players ruled out of West Ham United visit

Eddie Howe says he is yet to know whether or not Joe Willock will be available for Newcastle United’s trip to West Ham United on Wednesday night (kick-off 8pm).

Willock, who scored the opener in the Magpies’ 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday, limped off in the closing stages.

Howe revealed after the game the midfielder had withdrawn with a hamstring issue but “wasn’t sure if it was cramp or something more sinister.”

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game, Howe said: “I haven’t seen him this morning. I’ll probably have to ring you later! I actually haven’t seen him. Too early [to say].”

Willock is Newcastle’s only injury doubt heading to the London Stadium, with Miguel Almiron (thigh), Emil Krafth (ACL) and Ryan Fraser already ruled out.

“We’re reasonably OK,” Howe added. “I think we’ve got a few tired bodies in the squad. It was a really big physical effort for us but yeah, hopefully, nothing too major.”

Newcastle moved up to third in the Premier League table after the win over Man United. And Howe is demanding more of the same from his players as they prepare to face David Moyes’ Hammers.

Howe said: “It’s going to be a really difficult game. West Ham are a very good team who have had a quietly different season with Europe and all the game they’ve played. But I think they’ve got an outstanding with a huge amount of experience and I thought they recruited really well in the summer.

“They’ve got a very strong squad. We’re going to need a physical performance and another good technical and tactical performance.”

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