Brighton v Newcastle United: Main squad news as 5 players absent and £75m doubt
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United first team news ahead of tonight’s south coast game.
Newcastle United are sweating for the fitness of Sven Botman and Joelinton ahead of tonight’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion (Football 5:30 o’clock).
The £75m pair were sent off during the Magpies’ 10-2 loss to Liverpool last Sunday and are in doubt ahead of the game at the Amex Stadium.
Botman landed awkwardly on his ankle after a header, while Joelinton had a knee problem.
Neither player had trained before Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference on Friday and the Magpies head coach revealed both will undergo a late fitness test.
“Sven had a CT scan and the CT scan didn’t look very good so there was definitely an injury, but in reality everything was fine,” Howe said.
“It didn’t look too bad, it was very bruised and a little swollen.
“He went for a light jog this week so we’ll see how he is today and make a decision before the weekend.
Small chance [he will be in the game against Brighton], yes.
When asked about Joelinton, Howe added:
“Again, he is another player that we will make a decision of late.
He hasn’t worked out this week, just like Sven went for a light jog but he feels better every day and we’ll be calling late.
Newcastle are still without midfielder Joe Willock, who suffered a hamstring injury when the two sides met at St James’ Park in May.
The former Arsenal player suffered a setback in pre-season but was able to return to training during the international break.
Emil Krafth could also return to full training after more than 12 months out to recover from the ACL incident.
Meanwhile, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed Danny Welbeck will miss the visit to Newcastle.
He say:
“Danny Welbeck cannot play.
He doesn’t exist.
He has a muscle injury but the situation is not very serious.
The Seagulls will also be without Julio Enciso for several months after the Paraguayan striker suffered a serious knee injury before the defeat to West Ham.
Jakub Moder continues to be absent after 17 months of absence due to ACL issues.
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