UEFA rules block Newcastle United defender from playing v Marseille - here's why

Newcastle United will be without at least three notable names for their Champions League tie in Marseille on Tuesday evening.

Eddie Howe’s side head to the South of France on the back of an excellent 2-1 victory over Premier League title challengers Manchester City.

The Magpies were boosted by the return of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall in what was their first starts since September. Nick Pope and Joelinton were also passed fit to start, despite being forced off in the game prior - the 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

Newcastle United trio doubtful for Marseille clash - two already ruled out

However, United remained without five senior players. Anthony Gordon was labelled as “touch and go” for the Man City game after he missed the trip to Brentford before withdrawing from England duty due to a hip issue.

According to Howe, Gordon is still “very close” to a return, but it remains to be seen if he will be involved against Marseille.

And the same goes for Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, both of whom were in the squad against Brentford but dropped out versus Man City. Howe is “unsure” about Trippier’s fitness while there has been no update on Krafth.

Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa and Will Osula remain sidelined, and their exact return date is unclear.

Providing an update on both players, Howe said on Friday: “I haven't got a clear, defined return date for you. He [Wissa] is working well. He's not back training with us yet, but he's close.

“He's working with a sports scientist. He's in that phase, sort of moves past his physios. He's now back with the sports science team and he's also almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He's doing a lot of work. He's looking good, looking better with every session.

“And as I say, he's close to training with us. But until he gets to there, it's very difficult to give you a date.

“Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think his injury hasn't been totally plain sailing. I think there's been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days when he's felt a bit of pain, so I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday. Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's OK to continue as he is.

“So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games, I don't think.”

UEFA rules block Newcastle United defender from being eligible v Marseille

In addition to the injured players, Howe is also unable to name Jamaal Lascelles in his matchday squad.

This is because the 32-year-old wasn’t named on the 21-man ‘List A’ squad Newcastle submitted to UEFA ahead of the competition getting underway.

UEFA rules allow clubs to submit a ‘List A’ of up to 25 players, if they include four ‘club-trained’ players. But in this instance, the Magpies could only name a squad of 21 due to the lack of club-trained players.

A club-trained player is any player registered with their current club for at least three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21, regardless of nationality.

Harrison Ashby, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie were also left out the Champions League squad, though neither of the trio have made a first-team appearance for United this campaign.

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