Nine Newcastle United players missing from Leicester City clash amid Allan Saint-Maximin decision

Eddie Howe has reverted back to the Newcastle United starting XI that earned a goalless draw at Arsenal seven days ago.

The Magpies boss named eight changes for Saturday’s FA Cup third round defeat at Sheffield Wednesday with tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Leicester City in mind.

The visit of the Foxes to St James’ Park carries huge importance, with United aiming to reach their first semi-final in 18 years, and their first in the League Cup since 1976.

Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar return to the starting line-up after being rested at the weekend. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron are also recalled after appearing as second half substitutes at Hillsborough.

Allan Saint-Maximin has recovered from illness and takes his place on the bench alongside club-record signing Alexander Isak. The £60million could make his first St James’ Park appearance since September after being sidelined for three months with a thigh injury.

Martin Dubravka is cup-tied after appearing in the competition during his loan spell at Manchester United. Karl Darlow is promoted to the bench. Fellow goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and Loris Karius are left out.

Also missing from the matchday squad are Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser. Matt Targett (heel) and Jonjo Shelvey (calf) have been ruled out until February at the earliest. Emil Krafth (ACL) is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Newcastle United XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Joelinton, Wilson. Subs: Darlow, Lascelles, ASM, Ritchie, Isak, Manquillo, Wood, Murphy, Anderson.