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Unai Emery takes his Aston Villa side up to the North East to face Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Villa claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester City at the weekend, thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran, leapfrogging the champions in the table to go sixth at Christmas. A win for Villa could see them move in to the top four depending on if they can secure a big win and both Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth suffer losses.
The Magpies claimed a massive 4-0 win over Ipswich Town to sign off before Christmas. Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick with Jacob Murphy also getting in on the action. Eddie Howe's men are two places below Villa in eighth but can overtake them with a victory. Here’s the latest injury and team news prior to the Boxing Day clash.
Jacob Ramsey hasn't played for Aston Villa in over a month. A hamstring injury has had him sidelined. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Jacob Ramsey hasn't played for Aston Villa in over a month. A hamstring injury has had him sidelined. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Jacob Ramsey hasn't played for Aston Villa in over a month. A hamstring injury has had him sidelined. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aston Villa team news
Jacob Ramsey is likely to be absent from the match. The 23-year-old hasn't played since coming off injured against Liverpool in the middle of November. A hamstring injury has sidelined him for over a month and he isn't expected to return to action until the New Year.
When asked prior to the game against Man City last week, Unai Emery provided an update to TNT Sport and said: “Not Jacob Ramsey because he is still progressing well, but he is not yet available. He is close to starting training with us."
Morgan Rogers must be disciplined and avoid being booked, to stop him from missing the game against Brighton & Hove Albion a couple of days later. He is on four yellow cards for the campaign and should he pick one up in the next two matches, then he will have to sit out a match. Diego Carlos missed the game at the weekend due to a minor injury but should be available for selection against the Toon.
Out: Jacob Ramsey
Jamaal Lascelles hasn't played for Newcastle United since March. He suffered an ACL injury against West Ham. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Jamaal Lascelles hasn't played for Newcastle United since March. He suffered an ACL injury against West Ham. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Jamaal Lascelles hasn't played for Newcastle United since March. He suffered an ACL injury against West Ham. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United team news
Callum Wilson faces more time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury which will rule him out for the next two months. He's been limited to just 66 minutes of action this season, and the 32-year-old admitted it was frustrating.
Jamaal Lascelles ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in March. He’s not expected to be available until the New Year, and still then he has to build up his match fitness following such a serious injury.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope has sustained ligament damage to his knee. He had to see a specialist and is expected to be out until mid-January. Martin Dubravka has deputised in his absence.
Emil Krafth had to undergo surgery after breaking his collarbone. He's back on the grass and is doing some running, but as of yet he hasn't participated in contact training.
Sven Botman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March. He's getting closer towards making a return and now it’s up to the manager when to introduce him to competitive football again.
Joelinton required minor surgery after suffering an injury against Brentford last week. He was forced off at half-time after suffering a facial injury and required stitches. The Brazilian missed the game at the weekend due to suspension, but should make a return on Thursday.
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