Steve Bruce reveals Newcastle United selection 'problem' ahead of Carabao Cup tie

Bruce – who was without Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar at the weekend – lost Federico Fernandez to “fatigue” midway through Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at St James’s Park.

United’s head coach was forced to replace Fernandez, still recovering from Covid-19, with Isaac Hayden, and the midfielder could again line up at the back at tomorrow night.

Asked if there would be changes to his team at the Brentford Community Stadium, Bruce said: "Certainly, at the moment, I think I have to. I have to monitor what we've got.

"Unfortunately, Isaac has had to go in at centre-back. I can't see that situation improving, so there’s a problem for us straight away. Look, whatever we put out, we're certainly capable of performing better than what we've done over the last couple and we have to perform better, because Brentford are a good side.”

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