Eddie Howe has admitted “concern” over Joe Willock’s hamstring injury.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
The Newcastle United midfielder was forced off during Saturday’s rather laboured 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth, sparking fears he will miss the upcoming run of crucial games.
Liverpool visit St James’ Park on Saturday and while Jurgen Klopp’s team are hardly proving the force of old right now, Howe’s team aren’t exactly in the richest vein of form themselves.
Perspective, of course, is required in that this has been a fantastic season but a fair reflection must be given. Newcastle were far from at their best on the south coast and were perhaps lucky to leave with a point thanks to Kieran Trippier’s late goal-line clearance. Playing a side in the bottom three, that is not good enough given the standards they have set this season.
While Tottenham’s loss means Newcastle continue in the top four, things needs to improve. Achieving that without Willock, however, could prove difficult.
What has Howe said about Newcastle’s injury latest?
Willock, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin were all forced off at the Vitality Stadium. Howe was optimistic on the two forwards but of Willock he said (via Newcastle World): “Miggy and Maxi I don’t think are too bad. Miggy, I think got a stamp on his, so I think he’ll be OK. Maxi, I think, was just a knock.
“The concern from today is Joe Willock who has a hamstring problem. We’ll see how he is.”
What other midfield worries do Newcastle have?
Bruno Guimaraes will serve the last of his three-match suspension against Liverpool, depriving Howe of another starting central midfielder.
With Jonjo Shelvey having left (albeit after being injured for most of the season anyway) that leaves Newcastle of only two recognised senior options in the middle of the park – Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
Then, of course, there’s the Carabao Cup final. Guimaraes will be available for that but missing Willock would be a major blow.
