Newcastle United starting XI vs Arsenal: £72m duo drop in surprise formation switch
There is mixed news on the Newcastle United injury front ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Arsenal.
Newcastle are leading 2-0 from the first-leg at the Emirates following goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. But Eddie Howe will have to make do without Joelinton in the midfield this evening.
The Brazilian was withdrawn in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday with a knee injury and 24 hours later was spotted wearing a brace on his right leg at the club’s Benton training ground.
Eddie Howe said he would give Joelinton “every chance” to prove his fitness, but the 28-year-old misses out.
“Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution, he's out of that knee brace now,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference. “We'll assess how he is for this game. I'd say he's a doubt, but we give him every minute we can to try and make him fit.”
Rather than pick between Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff or Lewis Miley in a like-for-like replacement, Howe has opted to change formation, naming a back five with Sven Botman coming in for Joelinton and Kieran Trippier replacing Tino Livramento at right-back.
Callum Wilson returns to squad versus Arsenal
Meanwhile, Callum Wilson has been named on the bench after returning from an eight-week hamstring injury. The 32-year-old has been restricted to just four appearances this campaign having missed the opening months with a back issue.
“There's a chance,” said Howe. “We've got another important training day today. Let's get through training before we make a decision on him.”
Newcastle are aiming to reach their second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.
“I think my message is that we're at the halfway point of the tie,” said Howe. “I think the away game was a good performance from us. But of course, against any opposition, the game is still very much alive and we have to do our part. But I think then when you add the quality of Arsenal and the team that they have, we know very much we have to be on our guard.
“I think we just have to approach the game in a really positive way, aggressive way. We have to very much try and be ourselves in every moment. There'll be no deviation from that, from our perspective. Front foot performance at home, we need to engage the crowd. We're in a good position and we need to try and make the most of every opportunity.”
NEWCASTLE UNITED STARTING XI: Martin Dubravka, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak. SUBS: Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth, Will Osula, Tino Livramento, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley.