Eddie Howe is now considering altering one of his ten outfield players for Newcastle United’s Champions League match against AC Milan after a run of five consecutive games.
The Magpies need a win to keep their Champions League ambitions alive, and they will be hoping that Borussia Dortmund can do them a favor and avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
It had all the makings of a memorable night on Tyneside, and Eddie Howe has players returning from injury just in time.
Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson made their comebacks on Sunday, both coming on as replacements in Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-1 defeat.
After been denied the ability to rotate in recent weeks, Howe now has some options.
Newcastle has started the same ten outfield players in five consecutive games. Alan Shearer may not feel exhaustion is a factor, but it appears that fatigue has hampered the Magpies in recent days.
That is why having a few of players back from injury is fantastic, and Howe has hinted that he may start one of them against AC Milan.
Eddie Howe considering starting Sean Longstaff vs AC Milan
Ahead of the AC Milan game, Howe spoke to the media. He suggested that Sean Longstaff could come into the Newcastle starting XI.
“Sean is a consideration,” he said.
“But we have a lot of information to digest, with Callum as well.
“I have some big calls to make for the first time in a long time, thankfully. It was great to see them both back involved but we will need to make the right decision for the team.”
Newcastle need Longstaff back for Champions League decider
Longstaff is expected to return to the starting XI after recovering from an ankle injury.
While Lewis Miley has been excellent recently, we could use a fresh pair of legs. Longstaff can do that, as he is one of the club’s fittest players. He has a fantastic engine, which will be crucial on what promises to be an exciting night at St James’ Park.
Longstaff has already risen to the occasion on big nights under the lights. He scored in the Carabao Cup semi-finals earlier this year, and then there was that awful night against PSG.
The 26-year-old has scored some big goals in front of the Gallowgate, and he’d like to have another tonight as Newcastle looks to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Howe is keeping his cards close to his chest, as he always does, but Longstaff appears to be the likely starter.
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