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Newcastle United dealt fresh injury concern as 'immense' star a doubt for Barcelona

Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has a fresh injury concern to deal with following Newcastle’s 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday.

Joe Willock’s well-timed run and selfless pass set up Gordon for what would prove to be the winning goal as the Magpies kept a first Premier League clean sheet since January.

But the midfielder was forced off in the second half, having gone down twice in quick succession, holding his thigh.

Willock was replaced by Dan Burn as Newcastle were able to see out the win that saw them move up to ninth in the Premier League table with eight games left to play.

Next up is a trip to Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Wednesday evening (5:45pm GMT kick-off). Newcastle drew the first leg at St James’ Park 1-1 with Harvey Barnes’ late strike cancelled out by a 96th-minute penalty by Lamine Yamal.

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Joe Willock injury concern ahead of Barcelona

With Newcastle’s midfield looking thin in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Sandro Tonali at Stamford Bridge, head coach Eddie Howe will be hoping Willock’s problem is not serious enough to keep him out of the trip to Barcelona.

Reflecting on Willock’s performance and injury withdrawal, Howe explained: “I don't know 100 per cent how he is. I've not had time to sit with him and discuss it.

“I thought he was immense today, Joe. Highlighted by the goal, really, that's Joe at his very best. Athleticism, speed and then a really good decision to square it to Anthony. Very unselfish.

“Nick Woltemade, I thought, was magnificent today as well. JJ [Jacob Ramsey] in an unfamiliar role. So we had players sort of playing out of position, but you wouldn't really have known it from our performance. A big well done to everybody.”

NUFC injury list

Guimaraes is set to travel with Newcastle’s squad to Barcelona but remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain out.

Lewis Miley has been out since the 1-1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League back in January. While he is thought to be closing in on a return, he remains a doubt for the match at Camp Nou.

Newcastle will be hoping Tonali recovers from the illness that kept him out against Chelsea, as Willock faces further assessments.

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