Newcastle United handed boost as Aston Villa could be without three key players following 3-3 draw with Leeds United

Norwich City’s 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace kept The Magpies outside of the relegation zone by a point with a game in hand.

Leeds United are now five points ahead of Newcastle in the Premier League table after coming from two goals down against Aston Villa to claim a 3-3 draw.

But with Villa next up to face Newcastle at St James’s Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off), Steven Gerrard’s side could be without three key players.

Ezri Konsa will miss the match through suspension after being shown a second yellow card late on in the draw at Villa Park.

Philippe Coutinho grabbed a goal and two assists in the match before being forced off with cramp and fatigue. Emi Buendia also had to be withdrawn after picking up an impact injury.

Both creative players are now doubts for the weekend trip to Tyneside but Villa boss Steven Gerrard remains hopeful of having both involved.

After the match, Gerrard said: “[Buendia] is obviously very sore at the moment but, if he's telling the truth, I'd rather have an impact bang rather than a muscle situation so I'm hoping it's going to be days rather than weeks and, hopefully, we can get him ready for the weekend.

“He wanted to carry on and I admire that but it was clear that we had to make a change. We'll try and get him ready for the weekend.”

On Coutinho, the former England captain added: "It was just a bit of tiredness. He had a bit of cramp in a few areas.

"As I say, we're still working on his physical condition. We're still trying to improve that. He's getting better and better, and stronger. That was just precaution with cramp. He was running out of energy. He gave a lot to the game like a lot of the players did.

"There's no issues and I'm sure, with a couple of days of recovery, he'll be OK for the weekend as well."

Newcastle also have a few injury doubts themselves with Kieran Trippier (calf) and Joe Willock both being forced off during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Everton.

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