Newcastle United sit sixth in the Premier League heading into the final two matches of the season.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion was enough to keep The Magpies sixth on goal difference as Chelsea closed the gap with a win over Nottingham Forest. Newcastle now face eighth placed Manchester United on Wednesday evening before travelling to Brentford for the final game of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
In the meantime, Eddie Howe will be hopeful of having some of his players back to full fitness for the crucial matches. Callum Wilson missed the Brighton game due to ‘illness and tightness’ while Fabian Schar is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Alexander Isak was withdrawn early in the draw at St James’ Park on Saturday having suffered with illness himself. The Swedish striker is expected to be involved for the trip to Old Trafford while decisions will be made on the likes of Schar and Wilson.
The Magpies were boosted by the return of Kieran Trippier after two months out with a calf injury while Nick Pope is still waiting for his opportunity to get back on the pitch having dislocated his shoulder in the reverse fixture against Man United at St James’ Park back in December.
Newcastle have won just once away to Manchester United in the Premier League but did beat The Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford back in November in the Carabao Cup.
1. Callum Wilson
Wilson missed Saturday's draw with Brighton due to 'illness and tightness'. Eddie Howe insisted the striker is not injured and expects him to be back for Brentford. Expected return: Brentford (A) - 19/05
2. Anthony Gordon
Took a heavy blow to his Achilles in the defeat at Manchester United. Eddie Howe revealed the winger was a doubt heading into the final day. Expected return: Brentford (A) - 19/05
3. Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento missed the Manchester Untied match with a recurring ankle issue and won't play again this season. Estimated return: July 2024 Photo: Stu Forster
4. Matt Targett
Targett missed the win over West Ham after suffering a fresh Achilles injury and Howe has revealed that his injury is taking longer to heal than initially anticipated and suggested his season is over. Estimated return: May 2024