Three Newcastle United players ruled out of Leicester City tie as fans told to ‘wait and see’

Eddie Howe has vowed to name a “full strength” Newcastle United starting XI against Leicester City this evening (kick-off 8pm).

The Magpies return to St James’ Park for the first time in 2023 with a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup up for grabs.

Howe made eight changes for Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash at Sheffield Wednesday and paid the price after losing 2-1 at Hillsborough.

An under-strength team was named with the tie against Leicester in mind, so all will be forgotten about if United can indeed advance into the last four.

Regular starters Callum Wilson, Nick Pope and Fabian Schar were among those left on Tyneside at the week but are expected to be recalled against the Foxes.

Question marks remain over Allan Saint-Maximin’s potential involvement however after the French winger miss the visit to Sheffield through illness.

Howe, who revealed Saint-Maximin would have started at Hillsborough had he been available, said to “wait and see” whether or not the 25-year-old returns this evening.

While Alexander Isak made his long-awaited comeback on Saturday, and Paul Dummett returned to the matchday squad, Howe remains without Matt Targett (heel), Jonjo Shelvey (calf) and Emil Krafth (ACL).

Howe has labelled Newcastle’s cup clash against Leicester as the biggest game of the season so far.

He said: “It’s an opportunity and we need to be highly motivated for the game. I am sure we will be.

“We will need a real energy from everyone to get the crowd into the game.We have a lot to be positive about and need to get Saturday out of our system very quickly.

“This is the biggest game of our season, because it is the next game. But it does have a special meaning, we understand that.

“We need what we have had every home game, a brilliant atmosphere and environment where the team can excel and feel free to give their best.”