1 week Ago By [email protected] (Stuart Jamieson)
It might be a 'simple' case of one in, one out for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United as he makes the final preparations for today's Premier League game with Brighton and Hove Albion. The Magpies boss has seen his international players return unscathed from their efforts with their respective countries, but has one absentee from the squad he took to Everton before the break. Kieran Trippier limped out of that game with a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for several weeks, with Tino Livramento set to step into the side.
The positive news for Howe is that Alexander Isak is fit to return to the squad following two games out with a broken toe. Howe confirmed the Sweden striker's injury is fully healed and, barring any late drama, he will be back in contention today. He had hoped to include fellow striker Callum Wilson today, but his situation is less clear.
The Newcastle No 9 has been missing all season with a back injury picked up in the summer and he's being assessed 'day by day' according to the United head coach. While that doesn't mean he is ruled out today, it's more likely that the club will continue to give him time to fully recover. Another player on the comeback trail is Lewis Miley, with the 18-year-old midfielder back in training following a foot injury which saw him miss all of pre-season.
An instant return to the squad might be too much to expect, with Howe understandably cautious over a playing return, but he is set to feature in the coming weeks. It leaves Howe with a strong squad for the visit of Brighton today, with options from the bench no matter which starting XI he decides to pick. Miguel Almiron, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon are all competing for the wide roles and, even discounting Miley, Howe has five strong midfield options in Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
Goalkeepers: Pope, Dubravka, Vlachodimos, Ruddy Defenders: Livramento, Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall, Kelly, A Murphy Midfielders: Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock, Longstaff, Miley Forwards: Isak, Gordon, Barnes, J Murphy, Almiron, Osula Did you know you can now get Newcastle United stories on WhatsApp? As well as our NUFC communities, we also have a channel dedicated to sending you the best news, opinion and analysis on all things black-and-white. All you have to do is follow our channel on WhatsApp by clicking this link or you can find us by searching Chronicle Newcastle United. Updates will then automatically appear if you select the Updates option on your WhatsApp menu and selecting the 'Chronicle - Newcastle United' channel.
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