New season ending injury & added blow sees nine ruled out of Leeds United v Newcastle United - photos

Saturday’s early kick-off is a crucial match at both ends of the table as Newcastle look to move a step closer to securing a top four finish and Champions Leaguefootball for next season while Leeds United are battling to stay in the Premier League.

Under the new management of former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, Leeds will be hoping to secure safety in their final three matches of the campaign. The Whites currently sit 19th in the table, two points from safety.

Meanwhile, The Magpies are third with a three point and game in hand advantage on Liverpool in fifth place. But anything less than a win for Eddie Howe’s side on Saturday risks a nervy end to the season as they bid to secure Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.

Newcastle have a few fitness concerns heading into the match with midfielder Sean Longstaff a doubt with a foot injury. The 25-year-old has missed the last two matches and saw a specialist earlier this week amid fears his injury was a serious one.

While the midfielder was cleared of any broken bones in his foot, the assessment did reveal some ligament damage that will put the remainder of his season at risk.

Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season while Ryan Fraser won’t be available after being made to end his campaign with the Under-21s side.

Leeds also have several injury problems themselves with four players likely to be out for the remainder of the season.

Here is the current list of doubts and outs heading into Saturday’s match...