Eddie Howe is set to make a late call on the man who has missed eight matches so far with a muscle injury
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: SmartFrame/Every Second Media)
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Newcastle United star Lewis Hall is facing a late fitness test ahead of the trip to West Ham on Sunday. However, Yoane Wissa has been ruled OUT of the game at the London Stadium.
The England international is yet to train after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained at Union SG in the Champions League. The head coach guided Newcastle to the last eight of the Carabao Cup against Tottenham in midweek, and is now eyeing three points on the road to West Ham, but won't take any risks on Hall if he does not convince him is fit today.
Howe, speaking at his Press conference this morning, said: "He is very close. He hasn't trained with us yet.
"Hopefully, he will today. We will see how he looks. We will introduce him to the squad at the right time."
When pressed about Wissa's return date, with the DR Congo international, touted by Howe to return this weekend, Howe said: "I don't have a return date yet."
The other knock Newcastle are assessing is William Osula, who came on as sub against Tottenham in the cup, with Howe again set to take a thorough look at the Dane this morning.
Howe said: "We are still managing Will Osula's ankle and we will see how he is today."
The big positive for Howe is the fact that Sandro Tonali is edging closer to full fitness. The Italian was still coughing and spluttering during the Spurs game after an infection, but is getting better at a rapid rate.
Howe said: "If he was at 80% we will say what a player we have with another 20% to go."
Howe is delighted with the team's form at the moment and after making eight changes against Spurs in midweek.
Howe said: "I wanted everyone at their best and to challenge the other players who are playing. Everybody needs to know that one bad game can cost you. Everyone has to be super alert. "
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