Tonight is the night, as Newcastle United’s Champions League fate will be decided as we take on AC Milan at St James’ Park in our final game of the group phase.
For once, Eddie Howe has a few “big calls” to make when it comes to team selection, with Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson fit again and in contention to start. Martin Dubravka has been ill and is also managing a minor shoulder problem, leaving the door open for Loris Karius should the Slovakian fail a late fitness test.
Howe gave little away in Tuesday’s press conference, saying he’s “not sure” (with a smirk) if the likes of Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes or Joe Willock will return from injury. The BBC report that Dan Burn is likely to be back against Fulham (at the earliest), Nick Pope, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Matt Targett are expected back in the New Year and Sandro Tonali remains suspended.
For AC Milan, they look set to welcome back star winger Rafael Leao and Swiss international forward Noah Okafor. That said, captain Simon Kjaer is a major doubt, with fellow defenders Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu, Mattia Caldara and Marco Pellegrino set to miss out.
Howe on Longstaff and Wilson:
“Sean [Longstaff] is a consideration, but we have a lot of information to digest, with Callum [Wilson] as well. I have some big calls to make for the first time in a long time thankfully. It was great to see them both back involved at the weekend but we will need to make the right decision for the team.”
Howe when asked if Martin Dubravka is available after claims of a shoulder injury:
“That’s slightly unclear at the moment.”
Howe when asked if any of our injured players will return tomorrow:
“I’m not sure..”
Thought Dubravka had a back problem with having to pick the ball out of the back of the net that many times.🤔
Joseph(Quote)