Newcastle United star declares himself fit to face Crystal Palace amid injury scare

Joe Willock picked up an ankle injury in Newcastle United’s win at Southampton - but the midfielder has declared himself fit to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The Magpies host Palace in the third round of the Carabao Cup fresh from winning 4-1 on the South Coast. Willock was on the scoresheet, as were Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes to record a fourth straight win.

United currently sit in the top four of the Premier League table and will remain there during the five-and-a-half-week World Cup, regardless of the result against Chelsea this weekend.

But before the focus turns towards facing Graham Potter’s Blues, Newcastle have an important cup game versus Palace, and head coach Eddie Howe is likely to ring the changes.

Willock could be one of the several players Howe opts to rotate, however the former Arsenal man says he’s available for selection, despite limping off at St Mary’s.

“I’m fit,” the 23-year-old told NUFCTV. “It’s just a little injury on my ankle but it feels OK. I’m happy we could add another goal to the game when I came off and we won convincingly.”

Willock’s goal against the Saints, which put United 3-0 up just after the hour-mark, was his first of the campaign and his first since February.

“It means a lot,” Willock added. “I’ve been working very closely with the gaffer and he’s been showing me different clips on how to arrive in the box. It was a brilliant pass from Tripps and I’m glad I could toe-poke it in.

“I have 100% belief in myself that I can go to the next level and show everyone what I can do. The manager has shown a lot of belief in me and I’m happy I could repay him with a goal.”