Southampton v Newcastle United injury news as six ruled out and three doubtful - gallery
Southampton and Newcastle United team news ahead tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
Newcastle United visit the South Coast this evening to take on Southampton in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
It’s the first time since 1976 that the Magpies have reached this stage of the competition but Eddie Howe is determined to go one step further.
“Yeah, we’re delighted to be where were are but the semi-final itself isn’t enough,” Howe said. “I don’t think it’s enough for anybody
“To say you got to a semi-final means nothing. You want to get one step further. I know the players feel the same way.
“Me and my coaching team feel passionate about it, that we want to make the final but we have to navigate these two games and they are going to be very difficult.”
With United handed a free weekend in between both legs, Howe is set to name a full-strength starting XI.
Southampton, meanwhile, face Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday as manager Nathan Jones looks to get a couple of players back from injury.
Here’s a list of players from both teams who could miss tonight’s encounter through injury:
1. Alex McCarthy - doubt
The Saints goalkeeper is edging closer to a return after rolling his ankle in training last month.
2. Armel Bella-Kotchap - doubt
Bella-Kotchap has returned to training this week but Jones is undecided over his selection.
3. Juan Larios - doubt
Similar to Bella-Kotchap, Larios has just overcome a groin injury so Jones is proceeding with caution.
4. Stuart Armstrong - out
Jones confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Armstrong has undergone a minor procedure on a groin issue.