Nick Woltemade alternative emerges for Newcastle United at Marseille after double injury blow
Marseille v Newcastle United: Eddie Howe has teased some changes to his side for their return to Champions League action.
Newcastle United are looking to make it four wins in a row in the Champions League on Tuesday evening as they face Marseille at Stade Velodrome (8pm kick-off).
The Magpies will be without Kieran Trippier, Yoane Wissa and William Osula due to injury while Jamaal Lascelles, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and Harrison Ashby are ineligible.
Head coach Eddie Howe has welcomed Anthony Gordon and Emil Krafth back from injury and Dan Burn back from suspension after the trio missed Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at St James’ Park. 16-year-old Sam Alabi has also been drafted into the Champions League squad and is set to be named on the bench.
If the academy star gets on the pitch, he would become Newcastle’s youngest ever player in Europe.
Eddie Howe consults medical team ahead of Champions League clash
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have also travelled with the squad as expected. The full-back pair impressed against Manchester City in what was their first starts for the club since September.
Hall went off in the game with cramp while Livramento was able to complete 90 minutes after two months out with a knee injury.
But the quick turnaround in matches means Howe will be consulting his medical team before making any team selection decisions.
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“That's the decision that I have to make really [regarding whether to rotate the squad],” Howe said. “I have to consult the medical team, the sports science team and try and come up with the right decisions regarding both of those players.
“They're so important for us, as you saw on Saturday, that their longer term fitness is crucial for us. And especially with Kieran's injury, we're not quite sure how long he will be out.
“That leaves us short of options in the pullback position. So, yeah, decision for me to make overnight and into tomorrow to try and pick the best team to try and win this game.”
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Nick Woltemade alternative for NUFC?
In the absence of Wissa and Osula, Newcastle have had to play Nick Woltemade consistently up front no real alternatives available to protect the German forward and manage his minutes.
But Howe recognised that the return of Gordon, who started the season up front for The Magpies prior to Woltemade’s arrivial, gives him another option.
“Yeah, I think all options are available to us,” Howe discussed when looking at the prospect of Gordon playing up font again. “It's great to have Anthony back with us. He has worked hard in the break.
“He had a minor injury. I don't think it was a serious injury, but it was enough to keep him out.
“Especially with explosive players, you've got to be really careful with muscle injuries that doesn't become a longer-term problem. But he's done the work, he's fully fit.
“And, yeah, we have the ability to use him in different positions.”