Sean Longstaff is teetering on the edge of disciplinary trouble as his fitness remains uncertain for Newcastle United’s upcoming Premier League match. Longstaff sustained an ankle injury in the recent 2-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth, and although he completed the game, his participation in the clash against Chelsea is in doubt.
In the event that Longstaff takes the field, there is a looming risk of suspension, given that he has already accumulated four bookings this season. This precarious situation stems from his fourth league booking for dissent during the Bournemouth match, where he was on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge from Kai Havertz.
To avoid suspension, Longstaff must navigate the next few matches without picking up another league booking until the trip to Liverpool on January 1, 2024. The Premier League imposes a one-match suspension on any player who receives five yellow cards in the opening 19 matches of a season.
Newcastle is grappling with a substantial injury list, including Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban. Despite this, some players are expected to make a return against Chelsea, notably Bruno Guimaraes, who was banned for the Bournemouth match due to his fifth yellow card.
The Magpies have already faced suspensions this season, with Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon sidelined for accumulating five yellow cards. Other players in the squad, such as Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, and Sandro Tonali, have received multiple bookings.
Manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged the heightened strictness of referees this season, attributing it to rule changes in the Premier League. He emphasized the need for caution due to the increased likelihood of yellow cards and subsequent suspensions. Additionally, players who amass 10 yellow cards in the opening 32 Premier League matches face a two-match suspension, while those accumulating 15 bookings throughout the season receive a three-match ban, potentially carrying over into the next season.