Eddie Howe has made four changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for the visit of Southampton - and Sean Longstaff is the standout absence.
As reported by NewcastleWorld this morning, Longstaff went for a scan on Friday after injuring his ankle/ foot during Thursday night’s 4-1 win at Everton.
Howe will update the media after the game amid fears he may have broken a bone. If that is the case, the 25-year-old will likely miss the rest of the campaign.
Joelinton joins Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield three as Anthony Gordon makes his first St James’ Park start on the left-hand side.
Alexander Isak returns to the starting XI in place of Callum Wilson, who scored a brace at Goodison Park. Dan Burn is recalled at left-back, while Jacob Murphy starts ahead of Miguel Almiron.
Speaking about his team selection after Everton, Howe said: “I’ll assess the squad and see how everyone is physically,” said Howe after Everton. “I think the big thing for me in this period of games we’ve had is trying to pick players we feel are 100 per-cent and not take chances.
“If I have a player in a position where I have choice between two, I’ll always picked what I consider to be the more fit player. I’ll try and get those decision right. This is going to be a tough game”
Check out Newcastle’s starting XI and subs in full:
Howe will update the media after the game amid fears he may have broken a bone. If that is the case, the 25-year-old will likely miss the rest of the campaign.
5. LB: Dan Burn (in for Matt Targett)
Burn only dropped out of the starting XI at Goodison Park due to illness. Played the remaining half-hour.
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian was sent off against Southampton in the previous fixture. Hopefully there’ll be no repeat of that today.
7. CM: Joe Willock
Followed up his stunning assist against Spurs with another against Everton. A player in top form at the moment.
8. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton has scored in back-to-back games against Spurs and Everton and played a key role in opening goals.