Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United hidden injury concern ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg clash at home to Barcelona.
Eddie Howe made four changes from the 2-1 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday night as Will Osula, Joe Willock, Nick Woltemade and Sven Botman came into the team. Anthony Gordon, Joelinton and Dan Burn dropped to the bench, while Jacob Ramsey sat out due to suspension.
Howe revealed afterwards that Gordon and Joelinton’s omissions were enforced, though Botman over Burn was purely a preference.
Anthony Gordon & Joelinton protected v Manchester City
Howe said: “I think we're in a difficult spot quickly because we're trying to get through the games and perform and to win, but we're also trying to navigate and keep players fit, which is very, very difficult to do.
“The combination of the two, I don't think we've got the strength at the moment to make loads of changes and keep the same strength in our performance. We tried to do it with a couple of key players today that we had to protect.
“Anthony Gordon's come in with an ankle problem, we had to protect him today. We had to protect Joelinton today with past experience. These players are too big to lose.
“Dan Burn was more of a choice to play Sven. Sven's a top-quality player. Other than that, we were near enough with full strength.”
Newcastle United unable to call upon Jacob Murphy
While Howe was still able to call upon Gordon and Joelinton from the bench in the second half, Murphy remained sat as Newcastle chased the game in the second half.
Harvey Barnes gave United the lead in the 18th minute before Savinho equalised close to half-time. Goals from Omar Marmoush in the 47th and 65th minute then gave the hosts a mountain to climb.
Not since the 1-1 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain on January 28 has Murphy been an unused substitute, however Howe was unable to turn to the winger after he picked up a neck problem in training on Friday.
Howe explained: “We're in a cycle where we just need to get some players back fit and get some of the strength back in the group.
“Again, I couldn't use Jacob Murphy today because of a neck problem which he suffered yesterday and wanted to see how I felt in the warm-up to see if I could use him.
“We were really stretched today again and I think the lads that played gave everything but we just ran out of energy.”
Newcastle will re-assess Murphy’s injury on Monday with the hope of having him available for the Champions League last 16 first-leg clash against Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
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