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Newcastle handed major double blow after Carabao Cup semi-final ban boosts Arsenal chances

Newcastle United will be without Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar for the first leg of the Carabao Cup against Arsenal next month.

The pair will serve bans after picking up yellow cards in the quarter-final win over Brentford at St James' Park. Schar was penalised by referee Sam Barrott after fouling Fabio Carvalho in the first half while Guimaraes was booked for a clumsy foul in what proved a costly moment for the Brazil international.

However, the Magpies will be boosted by the return of Sean Longstaff after he served a one-match suspension for reaching the limit on yellow cards in the Premier League. While Eddie Howe will not be able to count of Schar and Guimaraes, their suspension could prevent future heartache.

It means that the possibility of being booked and missing a potential Wembley final for both stars has now been put to bed. Newcastle sealed a spot in the semi-finals after beating Brentford 3-1 at home on Thursday night.

Speaking on the competition's booking format, Howe said: "It is slightly strange with how the booking system works now - so yes, we lose Sean [for Brentford] and then we lose Joelinton [for Ipswich]. But I think that is a position that we have strength in depth with Joe Willock coming back to fitness and Lewis Miley playing again last night, which is good."

Arsenal meanwhile, came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Jesus scored for a second successive time in the competition, helping Arsenal's comeback with a hat-trick.

The semi-finals of the Carabao Cup will be played over two legs in the weeks beginning January 6 and February 3. Fixtures details will be announced in due course.

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