Newcastle United v Brighton early team news: Three doubts as 12 ruled out - including £20m man

Up to 12 players from Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion are expected to miss tonight’s Premier League clash (kick-off 7:30pm).

Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe has described the fixture at St James’ Park as “huge” as his side look to increase their advantage over fifth-place Liverpool to four points.

Although Jurgen Klopp’s side are applying pressure, United’s Champions League destiny remains in their own hands with six points from their remaining three games required.

The visit of Brighton, who ended Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes with a 3-0 win on Sunday, represents a difficult task despite Roberto De Zerbi’s side looking a little depleted.

Albion are without Adam Lallana (knee), Solly March (hamstring), Adam Webster (knock) Jakub Moder (knee) and Joel Veltman (hamstring) and Jeremy Sarmiento (foot).

Speaking at his press conference, De Zerbi said: “They can not play no Veltman, Webster and no March and no Sanchez. We have the same squad as Arsenal more or less because we have to think very well in terms of first XI and the condition of the players. We can’t lose any more players for the last four games. We have to pay attention.”

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will also miss out.

De Zerbi added: “Solly injured and he can’t play. I don’t know the last part of the season. At the moment, with Robert we spoke before the Arsenal game we decided the best solution was to stay home.”

Elsewhere, Julio Enciso is a doubt for the starting XI after hobbling off against Arsenal and the fitness of Facundo Buonanotte will also be assessed as he was only fit for the bench on Sunday.

For Newcastle, Sean Longstaff has been ruled out but head coach Howe remains hopeful the midfielder will play a part in United’s remaining two games against Leicester City and Chelsea.

Longstaff has missed matches versus Southampton, Arsenal and Leeds after sustaining a foot injury during the 4-1 win at Everton on April 27.

“We’re clear on the injury, it’s just how long it takes to heal,” Howe said. He made good progress yesterday so let’s see how he feels today. He won’t be involved in this game.”

Emil Krafth (ACL), Jamaal Lascelles (calf), Matt Ritchie and Ryan Fraser will also sit out.

Jacob Murphy is a doubt. The winger dropped out of the starting XI for Saturday afternoon’s 2-2 draw at Leeds United because of a sore groin.

Murphy was named in the matchday squad but wasn’t fit enough to be introduced from the bench. For the visit of Brighton, the 28-year-old is likely to miss out altogether.

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