Newcastle United v Leicester early team news: £25m star & seven others ruled out - plus six doubts

Newcastle United are primed to seal a return to the Champions League against Leicester City this evening (kick-off 8pm).

Following Thursday night’s 4-1 win at home to Brighton and Hove Albion, coupled with Liverpool’s draw versus Aston Villa, the Magpies will confirm their place among Europe’s elite next season if they avoid against relegation-threatened Leicester.

Here’s the latest team news from both camps ahead of the Premier League clash at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United team news - four ruled out, four doubts

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 on Thursday. He was pictured on crutches after the game.

The likes of Joelinton and Kieran Trippier are also doubtful after carrying knocks.

“Today I’ll be straight to the physio room to see how everyone is,” said Howe on Friday. “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.”

Howe added: “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.

Leicester City team news - four ruled out, two doubts

Leicester, who must win to keep their Premier League survival hopes alive, are set to welcome back Kelechi Iheanacho for the visit to St James’ Park.

The Nigerian striker sustained a groin injury in a 1-1 draw at Leeds United last month, forcing him to miss the last three Premier League matches. He returned to training on Thursday.

“Kelechi was in training today and he’ll be in full training on Saturday morning,” said manager Dean Smith on Thursday. “Kels has ticked all the boxes he’d need to. We’ve probably had to press the fast-forward button, but it’s needs-must at the moment.

Smith also provided an update on Caglar Soyuncu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Soyuncu won’t feature but Dewsbury-Hall could after an injection in his ankle. Goalkeeper Danny Ward is also a doubt.

The former Aston Villa boss added: “[Soyuncu’s] back jogging but very slowly. The plan is to get him ready for the last game of the season.

“[Dewsbury-Hall] has had an injection into his ankle. It’s a little but stiff at the moment but we’re hoping to have him training on Saturday morning. Ki is probably the biggest worry. He hasn’t trained yet.”

Meanwhile, the Foxes remain without James Justin, Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand.

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