Newcastle United will travel to Merseyside tomorrow for their Premier League clash with Liverpool and Eddie Howe could have three injury doubts available for selection.
The Magpies return to action following their hard-fought victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, a game in which Eddie Howe was forced to make one change.
Youngster Lewis Miley made his mark on the starting eleven with the equaliser that opened Newcastle’s first-half goal-fest over the weekend, replacing Sandro Tonali in the midfield trio alongside Bruno Guimaraes.
There was a lot of talk on social media about the Italian star’s fitness with claims that he had suffered a hamstring injury and wasn’t fit to start, which ultimately turned out to be true when he was announced on the bench.
The Newcastle boss set the record straight on Tonali’s absence in his post-match conference:
“He had a hamstring problem in the week, he missed a couple of days training. I didn’t really want to risk him today but with the second half as it was we felt we needed his legs in midfield. He said he felt OK to play. It was a reluctant sub but I thought he did OK when he came on and touch wood he’s OK.”
The blow to Tonali came after Joelinton and Sven Botman had suffered injuries, both of whom have played a huge role in the progression Newcastle have had in recent months with a Carabao Cup final and FA Cup fifth round clash ahead of them, as well as the potential to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Now with a quick turnaround in league fixtures, the Magpies face their next challenge with a trip to Anfield scheduled for tomorrow night and there is a great opportunity to not only secure their Europe dreams by taking three points, but a chance to set the tone for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against the league leaders.
Howe has spoken in his pre-match press conference this morning to settle concerns surrounding Tonali’s fitness and has also hinted at the potential return of Joelinton and Botman at Anfield.
On Tonali:
“He came through the game fine.”
On Botman and Joelinton:
“Sven’s improving and he’s improving quickly, so we’ll see whether he makes it. It’ll be close.” Howe revealed.
“Again with Joe, it is similar to Sven he is really improving and doing really well and pushing. He is another player who could be quite close. Joe is always important from a number of perspectives especially in defending set-pieces.
“He has those key aspects that we have missed when he’s not there. His physicality and strength there is an obvious presence missing in our midfield. Joey is a massive player for us.”
Will Newcastle have a fit squad vs Liverpool?
The former Bournemouth boss is renowned for keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to the status of his player’s chances of being available selection in pre-match communications, but his comments today are a great sign that the trio will be back in contention.
Indeed, Liverpool are in incredible form with their latest win of Manchester City putting them 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, however, the fixture at St James’ Park, ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw, is a testament to the attacking prowess Newcastle deploy.
Alexander Isak scored twice in the clash with Forest at the weekend and will be keen to extend his 19-goal tally to surpass Erling Haaland who also has 19 goals to his name this season, both currently behind Mohamed Salah with 25 goals.
It will be a difficult place for Newcastle to go midweek and off the back of their opponents’ success at the Etihad, but there is no reason why Isak can’t cause chaos for Liverpool’s defenders under the lights of Anfield.
The clash will give Howe a great opportunity to get a look at exactly what he will be dealing with in three week’s time at Wembley Stadium, and will be a great test for the players as they approach the biggest game of Newcastle’s season on March 16th.
