Eddie Howe made three changes to his side for Thursday night’s trip to Liverpool as they were beaten 3-1.
Jamal Lewis and Allan Saint-Maximin went off during the match. Lewis will almost certainly miss this weekend’s game with a hamstring injury while Saint-Maximin is a doubt and will be monitored over the weekend.
Newcastle will also be without Federico Fernandez, who suffered a thigh injury on Monday that will keep him out for the ‘next couple of weeks’. Paul Dummett is nearing a return from a persistent calf injury but is still expected to be unavailable until the new year.
COVID-19 is also a very prominent threat to player safety and availability as The Magpies go into the match against the league leaders looking to pick up only their second win of the season.
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1. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United shoots during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on December 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United shoots during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on December 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
2. GK: Martin Dubravka
Unfortunate to concede three on Thursday, put in a solid display. Photo: Shaun Botterill
3. LB: Matt Ritchie
Expected to return to the side in Jamal Lewis' absence. Photo: Naomi Baker
4. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Was better at Liverpool but still prone to a could of shaky moments. Will have his work cut out once again on Sunday. Photo: Stu Forster