Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is set to run late checks on defensive duo Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar ahead of the Magpies’ Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City on Wednesday evening, according to the Chronicle.
The pair both picked up knocks in the Toon Army’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday, and are doubtful for the Foxes’ visit to St. James’ Park.
But it is understood that both will be given late opportunities to prove their fitness ahead of the tie.
OPINION
You can see both sides of the argument when it comes to whether or not Lascelles and Scharshoudl feature against Leicester. On the one hand, if they aren’t 100% fit, it is absolutely not worth risking them, especially in the Carabao Cup. Look at the way that Allan Saint-Maximin was forced off against Tottenham on Sunday, and now faces a longer absence than he would have ordinarily. The Premier League has to be the priority this season, and if that means resting players who are touch and go in the cups, then so be it. On the other hand, however, if they are actually fully fit, then the Magpies are a vastly better side with them in the team. Already this season, Schar has averaged 3.7 tackles and 3.7 interceptions per match in the Premier League, as per Whoscored, while Lascelles has averaged 5.7 clearances.
