Newcastle United remain without several first-team players for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur (kick-off 12:30pm).
The Magpies face Spurs on the back of last weekend’s 1-0 win at Fulham, where Bruno Guimaraes scored an 81st minute winner. But during the first-half, Eddie Howe’s side were dealt their latest injury concern.
Joe Willock, who has had two separate spells out with Achilles injury this campaign, had to withdraw because of the issue. The former Arsenal midfielder won’t feature against Spurs but a return for the visit to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 24 hasn’t been ruled out.
“Joe has been to see another specialist to check on the progress of his Achilles, which has been problematic for him,” explained head coach Eddie Howe. “It has been a difficult injury because it’s not been straightforward, he’s had complications through the progress of him returning back to full fitness.
“His feedback was positive generally in the respect that the Achilles is healing and doing well but it will fluctuate from time to time and have moments where he is not feeling so good.
“For Tottenham, I’m not sure, I probably think he won’t be available for us. There’s a chance he’ll be available then throughout the rest of the season but again that is slightly unclear. We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive so that might mean a short period of rest.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hall hasn’t trained this week because of a quad issue, which Howe says is a “slight concern”. A late fitness test will likely determine whether or not the 19-year-old will continue at left-back.
Will Hall feature? Who will replace Willock? And will Harvey Barnes start? Here’s our predicted Newcastle starting XI:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian is hoping to build on the clean sheet he picked up at Fulham last time out.
2. RB: Jacob Murphy
Set to start at right-back.
3. CB: Emil Krafth
With Kieran Trippier a doubt and Tino Livramento sidelined, Krafth is set to make his second consecutive Premier League start.
4. CB: Fabian Schar
In a season dominated by injuries, Schar is the only Newcastle player to start every Premier League match this campaign.