Newcastle United duo injured as Aaron Ramsdale vs Tottenham Hotspur absence explained
Newcastle United are without two players through injury against Tottenham Hotspur as Aaron Ramsdale absence explained.
Eddie Howe has made eight changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for the all-Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul (kick-off 12:30pm).
The Magpies play their final pre-season friendly in South Korea before flying back to England, with only Nick Pope, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley remaining in the line-up from the 1-0 defeat to Team K-League on Wednesday.
Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes start as Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Alex Murphy, Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Will Osula make way.
Two Newcastle United players miss out through injury
Only Willock and Sven Botman are absent from the matchday squad, with both players picking up injuries during the visit to Asia.
Willock sustained an Achilles injury against Team K-League and is expected to be out around four to six weeks.
"We initially feared he could have injured part of his Achilles, but thankfully that wasn't the case,” Howe said on Saturday. “But it looks like he's got a problem with a muscle in the calf.
"So we feel the injury isn't as serious as maybe first feared, which is great news for Joe, but it's still going to keep him out for a number of weeks. How many we're not sure, but early diagnosis is looking four to six, which, although being a blow, is probably much better than the initial thought. So some positive news on Joe Willock."
Meanwhile, it is hoped Botman can be involved in either of next weekend’s friendlies against Espanyol or Atletico Madrid.
"We didn't think it was a serious injury at the time, which has been confirmed in the scan,” Howe said in midweek. “He definitely won't play tomorrow but whether he plays a part in the Tottenham game, let's wait and see. Possibly not, but then we hope he can be available for the double-header leading into the first game."
Why is there no Aaron Ramsdale in the squad?
Aaron Ramsdale completed his season-long loan move from Southampton last week before being officially announced as a Newcastle player on Saturday. But he won’t make his debut against Spurs.
NewcastleWorld was told last week that it was extremely unlikely that Ramsdale would link up with his new teammates in Seoul.
Not only would the 27-year-old have had to travel around 14 hours to South Korea and deal with the eight-hour time difference, but he also had to obtain a visa, which is difficult to obtain at short notice.
Howe’s squad also fly back to England immediately after the Spurs match. Because of those factors, Newcastle felt the long-haul trip wouldn’t have been worthwhile for the player.
Instead, the 27-year-old is set to make his debut this weekend, against either Espanyol or Atletico Madrid at St James’ Park. Both matches take place on back-to-back days.
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