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AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United injury news ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second-leg versus Barcelona.
Newcastle United secured their first victory at Chelsea since 2012 thanks to a first-half strike from Anthony Gordon.
Joe Willock’s run and selfless pass to set up Gordon in the 18th minute proved to be the winner as the Magpies boosted their European qualification hopes.
But Willock’s evening ended in the 77th minute having gone down twice in quick succession, holding his thigh.
The midfielder was replaced by Dan Burn as United switched to back five to secure their first Premier League clean sheet since the goalless draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
Next up is a trip to Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Wednesday evening. Eddie Howe’s side drew the first leg at St James’ Park 1-1 after Harvey Barnes’ 86th-minute goal was cancelled out by Lamine Yamal’s penalty 10 minutes later.
Joe Willock injury concern ahead of Barcelona clash
With Newcastle’s midfield looking light in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Sandro Tonali at Stamford Bridge, Eddie Howe will be hoping Willock’s issue is not serious enough to keep him out of the trip to Spain.
Reflecting on Willock’s performance and injury withdrawal, Howe explained: “I don't know 100% 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.”
Newcastle United injury heading into Barcelona
Guimaraes is set to travel with Newcastle’s squad to Barcelona but only as vocal support to his teammates as he remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. It is hoped the Brazilian, alongside Fabian Schar, will return immediately after the upcoming international break.
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.
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