Shock midfield omission from matchday squad as Newcastle United make 9 changes against Bromley
Joe Willock is the surprise omission from Newcastle United’s starting line-up against Bromley.
Eddie Howe has made nine changes from the team that stunned Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in midweek. Fresh legs were inevitable given United’s gruelling festive schedule, with only Martin Dubravka and Joelinton keeping their place.
There were suggestions the Slovak played his last game on Tuesday given his emotional post-match farewell to the away end. This came amid reports linking Dubravka with a January move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab.
Howe played down suggestions of his exit at yesterday’s pre-match press conference. He said: “I think that he has been in a difficult position with his contract being up in the summer. There is that doubt and he will naturally want some conclusion to his future.
“Whatever the outcome, he has more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures. Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him. Martin has never said he wants to leave. He has been a very good professional and it is credit to him, because it was difficult when Nick Pope was in the team, but he was ready to come in and perform.
“That is down to how hard he trains and you can see how much Newcastle means to him, he is very invested (in the club). I think the right decision will be the right decision… not just for us but for Martin as well. Martin is performing really well and we want to keep him. He has never said he wants to leave and hopefully we can resolve things.”
Howe also confirmed that Alexander Isak and Sven Botman would be rested, joining Callum Wilson (hamstring), Emil Krafth (collar bone) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) on the treatment table. However, the big news is Willock’s omission from the matchday squad following his 65-minute showing in North London.
Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Kelly, Target; Miley, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Barnes, Osula