Newcastle United’s injury woes persist as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in France. Despite the optimism that the international break might alleviate their situation, the Magpies are confronted with a staggering 14 players unavailable for the Champions League clash.
Eddie Howe faces a limited selection for the fifth Champions League match, with key players such as Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, and Matt Targett sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, Javier Manquillo, Mark Gillespie, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, and the suspended Sandro Tonali are not part of the Champions League group stage squad.
The absence of Willock, who recently returned impressively from an Achilles injury, is particularly disheartening for Newcastle. Howe expressed the team’s disappointment, acknowledging the uncertainty regarding Willock’s recovery and the frustration of a recurring injury.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Howe’s squad appears to remain unchanged for the PSG encounter. Lewis Miley, who caught the eye in the recent victory over Chelsea, is expected to start again. The manager’s only decision revolves around Lewis Hall, an 18-year-old player ineligible for the Chelsea match due to loan conditions but available for Champions League action.
Hall, praised by Howe for adapting well to the significant changes in his life, presents a dilemma for the manager. The versatile defender, previously used at left-back and in the center of midfield, could be a key factor in determining the starting XI for the crucial European clash. The decision rests between maintaining the winning formula from the Chelsea game or introducing Hall in a strategic position.
Predicted NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Bruno, Miley, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Almiron.