Newcastle United is set to resume their Premier League campaign against Manchester United this Saturday, a mere four days after enduring a controversial incident during their match in Paris. Eddie Howe’s squad was on the brink of securing a monumental Champions League triumph against Paris Saint-Germain when, in stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to the home team.
Initially, referee Szymon Marciniak dismissed PSG’s appeals for a handball until VAR intervened, prompting the Polish official to reevaluate his decision using the VAR monitor. Video replays revealed that Tino Livramento’s elbow was struck by Ousmane Dembele’s cross after hitting the player’s chest, leading Marciniak to award the penalty.
Kylian Mbappe calmly converted from the spot, sparking disbelief among various pundits and former professionals. Despite feeling a sense of injustice post-game, Eddie Howe, the Magpies’ head coach, won’t allow himself to dwell on the incident as he readies his team to host Manchester United, who had a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray midweek.
Newcastle fielded the same starting 11 throughout the 90 minutes in France but will see the return of Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth to the matchday squad, bolstering their bench. However, Howe continues to grapple with the absence of several key players due to injuries, a situation mirrored in the Red Devils’ squad.
Here, NewcastleWorld provides an overview of the players sidelined for Saturday’s encounter and those whose participation remains uncertain:
1. Sven Botman – out
The Dutchman has been sidelined with a knee injury since September and a return date remains unclear.
2. Dan Burn – out
Burn won’t return until February next year as he recovers from a back injury.
3. Javier Manquillo – out
Manquillo is yet to make a competitive appearance this season. Currently has a groin issue.
4. Matt Targett – out
Targett sustained a hamstring injury during Newcastle’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.
5. Elliot Anderson – out
Anderson is out with a back injury. Is expected to return around the festive period.
6. Jacob Murphy – out
Murphy is on course to return in January as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.
7. Sandro Tonali – banned
The Italian is suspended from football until August 2024 after betting illegally.
8. Joe Willock – out
Willock had only just returned from five months out but is facing another lengthy spell out because of an Achilles injury.
9. Harvey Barnes – out
Newcastle hope summer signing Barnes will return from a toe injury before the end of December.
10. Callum Wilson – out
Wilson is out for ‘several weeks’ with a hamstring issue.
11. Casemiro – out
Casemiro hasn’t played since picking up a hamstring injury against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
12. Lisandro Martinez – out
A foot injury is set to keep the Argentine sidelined until January.
13. Mason Mount – out
Hasn’t featured since before the international break. Reportedly ruled out for several weeks.
14. Christian Eriksen – out
Eriksen is recovering from a knee injury but won’t return until December/ January.
15. Malacia
Malacia is yet to feature this season due to a knee injury.
16. Amad Diallo – out
The former Sunderland loanee picked up a knee injury in pre-season.
17. Jadon Sancho – out
Sancho is currently frozen out of Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans.
18. Jonny Evans – out
Evans is a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park because of a thigh problem.
19. Sean Longstaff – doubt
The Geordie midfielder has missed back-to-back games against Chelsea and PSG with an ankle injury.
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