Newcastle United suffer fourth season-ending injury as several players doubts v Leicester City

Eddie Howe doesn’t expect Joe Willock to play for Newcastle United again this season.

The former Arsenal man limped off on the hour-mark as the Magpies beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-1 last night to move closer to Champions League qualification. He was pictured on crutches after the game.

United led 2-1 before Willock’s departure after an own goal by Deniz Undav and a header from Dan Burn. Undav pulled one back before Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes wrapped up the result in the closing stages.

Howe’s side will seal a top four finish if they beat Leicester City on Monday, and it’s almost Willock won’t feature. Several players are also doubtful.

“Today I’ll be straight to the physio room to see how everyone is,” said Howe. “We’ve got a few concerns. The lads gave so much to the game yesterday and they’ve given a lot to the season. I just hope there is nothing serious.

“It looks like Joe Willock may be in trouble with his hamstring injury, we might lose him for the season but that’s unclear as I sit here now. Fingers crossed our team will still be strong.”

Joelinton left the field with a knock. Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes also looked in some discomfort at full-time.

“Sometimes after a game, there is a lot of emotion running through the player’s body so sometimes injuries can appear worse at that moment,” said Howe. “I certainly hope that is the case and they wake up today and feel better.

“It will be a consultation between me, the medical team and coaching staff to try and see what players we have available first then try and pick a team that can win.”

Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy were not involved because of their respective foot and groin injuries.

On Longstaff, Howe said: “At this moment, being honest, he’s doubtful. He hasn’t trained. He’s improving but we’ll wait and see.”

“Again, he hasn’t trained so we’ll wait and see,” Howe said when asked about Murphy.

Jamaal Lascelles (calf), Matt Ritchie (knee) and Emil Krafth (ACL) are also out for the campaign.

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