The big question before Friday morning was Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa? Now it’s Woltemade or Will Osula!
Newcastle United head into today’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers without Wissa after he sustained a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo.
The news was confirmed by Eddie Howe at his pre-match press conference.
“Unfortunately not, no, so he won't make this game,” Howe said. “I saw him for the first time yesterday. He's feeling the effects of the injury sustained just before he came off, so we're going to have to see how he is.”
Is it a short-term or long-term injury? “I don't know currently as I sit here,” Howe replied. “I think he'll go away for tests and maybe see a specialist to see. So unfortunately, I can't give you that update.”
Wissa will be forced to wait before making his Newcastle debut, but does that mean Woltemade will make his first appearance this weekend?
The Magpies paid a club-record £69million to sign Woltemade from Stuttgart, but Howe has already called for patience over the 6ft 6in striker.
So, will Howe throw him straight in against Wolves? Or will he stick with Osula, whose start at Leeds United last time out was his first in Newcastle colours since joining from Sheffield United last year.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
1. GK: Nick Pope
While Newcastle’s striker woes have been the focus, Pope will be pleased with two clean sheets out of three. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has played his best football at Newcastle at left-back, but needs to translate that over to the right with Lewis Hall back fit. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar now faces direct competition from Malick Thiaw, but his starting place is cemented for now. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Has been Newcastle’s most consistent performer for a good while now. | Getty Images