In the clash between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, there are concerns for Newcastle as a £40 million player faces injury doubts, with 10 players ruled out.
Newcastle aims to maintain its strong home form, having triumphed over Aston Villa, Brentford, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United at St James’ Park. Despite this, the team has suffered four consecutive away defeats in the Premier League, ranking only above Luton Town and Sheffield United in points this season.
Eddie Howe’s squad, currently seventh in the league, looks to improve their position with a win over Forest. The Reds, led by new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, come to the North East after a 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in Santo’s debut match following Steve Cooper’s departure. Early team news reveals five doubts for Newcastle and the absence of 10 players.
1. Willy Boly – out
Boly will miss the visit to St James’ Park after being sent off against Bournemouth on Saturday.
2. Taiwo Awoniyi – out
Awoniyi underwent groin surgery in November is won’t return until next year.
3. Sandro Tonali – out
The Italian is suspended from football until August 2024 following an investigation into illegal betting activity.
4. Javier Manquillo – out
Manquillo is yet to make an appearance this season because of a groin issue.
5. Nick Pope – out
Pope underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder earlier this month and won’t return until April at the earliest.
6. Matt Targett – out
Targett is recovering from hamstring surgery. Could return towards the end of February.
7. Jacob Murphy – out
Murphy too recently underwent shoulder surgery but he’s set to return in the middle of January.
8. Harvey Barnes – out
Barnes has been sidelined since September and Howe recentlu revealed the winger is another four or five weeks away from returning.
9. Joe Willock – out
Willock suffered a fresh Achilles injury at the end of November. Howe hopes to have the former Arsenal man back available next month. Photo: Getty Images
10. Elliot Anderson – out
Anderson is slowly recovering from a stress fracture in his back with a return date currently unknown.
11. Serge Aurier – doubt
Aurier hasn’t featured since Forest’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on December 2.
12. Felipe – doubt
The Brazilian has also missed the defeats to Spurs and Bournemouth.
13. Ibrahim Sangare – doubt
Forest’s record signing has missed the last two games because of a groin issue.
14. Joelinton – doubt
Joelinton picked up a hamstring injury v Fulham, which has forced him to miss the last two games.
15. Jamaal Lascelles – doubt
Lascelles withdrew after just 37 minutes against Luton.
Leave a Reply