Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United injury news as six sidelined and three doubtful

It has been a largely positive week for Newcastle United after they collected four points from their visit to Manchester United and Wednesday’s home game with Everton.

Those results kept Eddie Howe’s side within touching distance of the top four and the Champions League places - but they will face a major test of their European credentials and arguably one of their biggest tests of the season so far when the visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Antonio Conte’s men have been heavily tipped to continue the unquestionable improvement they have made under the Italian and will head into the game looking for an eighth win in their opening 12 league games this season.  Intriguingly, and perhaps worryingly for Newcastle, Spurs will also be looking to bounce back from an underwhelming display in their 2-0 midweek defeat at Manchester United.

Despite the sizeable challenge lying in wait in North London, Magpies boss Howe is confident his players can put in an improved display after suffering a 5-1 hammering in their last meeting with Spurs.  He said: “We want to be a high-level opponent.  We want to give them a really tough game. We’re capable of doing it if we’re at our absolute best. The hard thing for us is it’s our third game in a short period of time - as it is for Tottenham - and we need to make sure we are at our very best levels physically and mentally to have a chance of winning this game.”

Howe has a number of calls to make ahead of the game as he looks to contend with a third game in eight days.  Striker Alexander Isak, goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defensive duo Javi Manquillo and Paul Dummett will all miss out and influential winger Allan Saint-Maximin will also remain on the sidelines as he continues his comeback from injury.

The Magpies manager could also face big decision to make in midfielder with Brazilian star Joelinton rated as doubtful, meaning Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock could both be handed starts alongside Bruno Guimaraes in the heart of midfield.

Spurs have selection issues of their own, with Conte confirming he has doubts over the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.  Bryan Gil is definitely missing but there was some positive news for the Italian as Lucas Moura and Emerson Royal return to contention.