Joe Buck reacts as Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Athletic Club
Newcastle United v Athletic Club: Eddie Howe has been dealt a fresh injury blow less than an hour ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh injury blow less than an hour ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park (8pm kick-off).
Alex Murphy, Max Thompson are also added to the bench for the match while there has been a late change amongst the substitutes.
Newcastle United late withdrawal confirmed after team news announced
Newcastle forward William Osula was named amongst the substitutes when the team news was confirmed at 6:45pm on Wednesday.
But before the players emerged for their pre-match warm-ups at St James’ Park, the club confirmed Osula had dropped out of the matchday squad due to an ongoing ankle issue.
The club announced: “Will Osula will no longer be on the bench this evening due to discomfort in his ankle. He will be assessed further in the coming days. Hope to see you back soon, Will.”
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Osula had been playing through the pain barrier for Newcastle in recent weeks with Howe previously revealing the forward’s ankle issue.
Following the 22-year-old’s positive impact off the bench against Fulham last time out in the Premier League at St James’ Park, Howe said: “The ankle injury that he's got is slightly curtailing that because I don't want to make that problem worse.
“I want him to feel really good when he comes on the pitch. So, we're sort of managing that. Fundamentally, it's his attitude. He wants to be here, he wants to play, and he's very committed.”
Newcastle United team news v Athletic Club
Howe has made two changes to the side that were beaten at West Ham with Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes coming in for Emil Krafth and Jacob Murphy, who drop to the bench.
Newcastle United’s starting line-up v Athletic Club is as follows: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Gordon, Woltemade
Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Schar, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, J.Murphy, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Miley
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