Newcastle United take on Athletic Club in the Champions League this week, but Nico Williams may not be involved.
Eddie Howe is looking for a response after suffering another away-day defeat on Sunday.
Newcastle were beaten 3-1 at West Ham United as the Magpies continue to struggle in away games.
Defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion sparked a three-game winning run, which started with a Champions League victory over Benfica.
Howe will hope for the same formula this week, as Newcastle welcome Athletic Club to St James’ Park.
Athletic Club's Nico Williams in action v Real Sociedad
Photo By Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty Images
Nico Williams misses training ahead of Newcastle United vs Athletic Club
Newcastle have started well in the Champions League and will look to pick up another victory on Wednesday night.
Athletic pose a threat, but their star man could miss out.
Onda Cero report that winger Nico Williams was not involved in training on Monday.
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Williams was only a substitute in Saturday’s derby defeat to Real Sociedad, and he was expected to take part in a more intense training session than those two started.
Instead, Williams wasn’t involved at all and it’s stated that he is ‘not certain’ to play against Newcastle.
AS add that Williams was given extra time to rest as he deals with a pubalgia problem, but his participation in Wednesday’s clash is in question.
Williams really broke out as a star during Euro 2024 and has been courted by some of the world’s top clubs.
Williams has endured a difficult season so far, though, as injury problems have hampered his impact.
The 23-year-old may miss out against Newcastle, which would serve as a serious blow for the La Liga side.
Athletic Club in poor form ahead of Newcastle United clash
Athletic reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, but have endured a tricky start to this term.
Four wins, two draws and five defeats from 11 games leaves Athletic 11th in the La Liga table.
Athletic have won just two of their last 12 games in all competitions, so Williams potentially being ruled out on Wednesday is the last thing they need.
Newcastle need to find a response after defeat at West Ham, and Howe will look to exploit Athletic’s weaknesses in another big night at St James’ Park.