Newcastle United injury doubt v Leeds United as key man undergoes tests after Arsenal

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has avoided a season-ending injury.
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Sean Longstaff is set to play a part in Newcastle United’s Premier League run-in - but remains doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Leeds United.

The Magpies midfielder has missed home matches against Southampton and Arsenal after sustaining a foot injury during the 4-1 win at Everton on April 27.

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Longstaff was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle from Everton defender James Tarkowski, a penalty appeal that was controversially turned down by referee Andre Marriner and overlooked by VAR.

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

United head coach Eddie Howe revealed after the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal that Longstaff would visit a specialist on Tuesday. Howe thought “it was a standard injury but now there may be a chance of something more serious.”

It is, however, good news - as first reported by the Daily Mail. Longstaff has not broken a bone, though is still a doubt to face Leeds this weekend before returning for remaining fixtures against Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea.

Longstaff’s absence was felt during the recent loss to Arsenal. His role alongside Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes in the three-man midfield brings a strong balance to the side as it frees up Joelinton to play down the left.

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“I think Sean has been an integral part of our midfield and I think when you take him out we lose a bit of balance,” Howe admitted. The balance of the team has been so impressive - Sean does a really important job in and out of possession for us.

“But there’s no slight on anyone that came into the team today. There was a different balance to our team with Alex on the left and Callum up front. They played well but we were up against a very good team today.

“We still created credible chances and there were moments in that game when I thought we’d explode and catch fire today but it didn’t quite happen. Sean has been a big part of our success.”

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