After two games without a win, Newcastle will be hoping to get their Champions League charge back on track when they host sixth placed Brighton on Thursday evening (7:30pm kick-off). Brighton come into the game fresh from a 3-0 win at Arsenal while The Magpies look to bounce back from a 2-2 draw at Leeds United on Saturday.
Eddie Howe will be without the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth who have all been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Sean Longstaff is also a major doubt with a foot injury while Howe also confirmed a minor groin issue for Jacob Murphy as the winger remained on the bench at Elland Road.
Brighton also have several injury issues themselves with winger Solly March ruled out for the clash after picking up a hamstring injury in the 5-1 defeat to Brighton earlier this month.
Newcastle will head into the match sitting third in the Premier League table but knowing a win would provide a major boost to their top four hopes heading into the final matches of the 2022-23 campaign. The Magpies have not been lower than sixth in the table since October and are already guaranteed to finish in at least a Europa League qualification spot this season.
Meanwhile Brighton are looking to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.
Here is the current list of doubts and outs for Thursday’s match at St James’ Park...
1. Newcastle United: Jacob Murphy - doubt
Remained on the bench against Leeds due to a groin injury. Missed training during the week and remains a doubt for Thursday’s match.
2. Brighton: Facundo Buonanotte - doubt
Has trained ahead of Thursday’s match but was only fit enough for the bench at Arsenal. Photo: bhafc
3. Brighton: Julio Enciso - doubt
Enciso suffered a knock against Arsenal last time out. Photo: BHAFC
4. Brighton: Joel Veltman - out
Missed Arsenal due to a hamstring issue. Has been ruled out of the Newcastle trip. Photo: GLYN KIRK