JOE WILLOCK will miss the final two games of Newcastle United’s season after suffering a hamstring injury during last night’s 4-1 win over Brighton – and Sean Longstaff and Joelinton are also major doubts ahead of Monday’s final home game against Leicester City.
Having seen off the Seagulls in emphatic fashion, Newcastle take on Leicester knowing a victory will guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League.
However, the win over Brighton came at a cost, with Willock having sustained hamstring damage that resulted in him having to leave St James’ Park on crutches.
Joelinton also suffered a knock last night, but whereas there appears to be no chance of Willock being involved in either the Leicester game or the meeting with Chelsea on the final day of the season, the Brazilian could pull through to feature against the Foxes.
“I’ll be straight to the physio room after this to see how everybody is,” said Howe, whose side will secure Champions League qualification without kicking a ball tomorrow if fifth-placed Liverpool lose at home to Aston Villa. “We’ve got a few concerns. The lads gave so much yesterday to the game. They’ve given a lot to the season, physically.
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“It looks like Joe (Willock) may be in trouble with his hamstring. We might lose him for the season, but that’s unclear as I sit here now.
“Joelinton is a machine – he’ll literally run through the brick wall for the team and the club. He succumbed to the brick wall last night, but hopefully he’ll be okay. Fingers crossed, our team is going to be strong.”
Longstaff has missed the last four games after suffering a foot injury in the win over Everton, and while the midfielder has not categorically been ruled out of Monday’s game, he is yet to return to training.
“At this moment, being honest, it’s doubtful (that Longstaff will play against Leicester),” admitted Howe. “He hasn’t trained. He’s improving, but we’ll wait and see.”
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