SVEN BOTMAN has been ruled out of Newcastle United’s opening Champions League home game, but Callum Wilson and Joelinton still have a chance of being involved against Paris St Germain.

Newcastle host a Champions League game at St James’ Park for the first time in more than 20 years tomorrow night, with Eddie Howe admitting there is a huge sense of anticipation ahead of the visit of the French champions, who are set to name a fit-again Kylian Mbappe in their starting line-up.

However, Howe finds himself wrestling with a sizeable injury list as he ponders his own side for the game, with key absentees at both ends of the field.

Botman is still not training because of a knee injury, while Wilson is also struggling to make tomorrow’s game despite having joined in Newcastle’s first-team training session at Darsley Park earlier today.

Sandro Tonali was absent from that training session, but is available to face Paris St Germain, while Joelinton could also be part of the squad to face last season’s Ligue 1 winners despite hobbling off after coming on as a substitute against Burnley at the weekend.

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“We don’t think Callum will make tomorrow, but we think he’s going to be close,” said Howe. “But as it stands now, we don’t think he’s going to make the game.

“Joey is in a similar position, although he’s close and we’re going to be making a late check on him. Sven is out of the game, he won’t play, but Sandro is fine.”

Tomorrow’s game is the culmination of all last season’s work, and Howe cannot wait to experience a Champions League night at St James’.

“I can’t wait to experience the home atmosphere and what our fans create,” said the Magpies boss. “It’s going to be a really memorable night, and hopefully our performance will make it really memorable too.”