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Alexander Isak was withdrawn early in the draw at St James’ Park on Saturday having suffered with illness himself.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.
5. Lewis Miley
Miley suffered a back injury on England Under-20’s duty and there are fears that his season could be over. He faces several weeks on the sidelines and Howe has urged caution over bringing him back too quickly with his season cut short. Estimated return: July 2024 Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
6. Joe Willock
Willock limped off in the first half of their game against Fulham. Howe confirmed Willock was feeling his Achilles and it has since been reported that he will miss the rest of the season. Estimated return: July 2024 | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football meaning he won’t be available for selection until the beginning of next season. Return date: 27/08 | Getty Images
8. Sven Botman
Botman suffered an ACL injury and has been ruled-out of action for between six and nine months. Estimated return: October - December 2024 | Getty Images