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West Ham and Brentford are set to face a Newcastle United side depleted by injuries in coming weeks.
Newcastle United have decided not to recall former AFC Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly to face West Ham on Monday night following several injuries to key first team Magpies players.
Eddie Howe’s side have been dealt a suckerpunch of blows this week following last weekend’s dramatic FA Cup defeat to Brighton. Newcastle United travel to the London Stadium on Monday before taking on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup later this month. Brentford are then next up for the North East side, with the two teams meeting at St James’ Park for the first set of fixtures after the upcoming international break.
Newcastle United have confirmed that Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the rest of the season following a scan while Sven Botman is also now set for an operation having failed behind the scenes fitness test, as per ChronicleLive. Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento both suffered ‘slight knocks’ against Brighton too but neither are thought to be in danger of missing the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle United loan recall decision confirmed
The latest injuries had come with talk of a loan recall for Kelly, who joined Juventus on Deadline Day in February despite only signing for Newcastle United last summer. The centre-back struggled for minutes under Howe and, as a result, the Serie A giants have an obligation to make the move permanent for £20 million at the end of the season.
The ChronicleLive claims that since Trippier and Livramento only have knocks, Newcastle United will not move to bring Kelly back from Italy ahead of those fixtures against London sides West Ham and Brentford.
Howe has Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth as centre-back options for the trip to West Ham with Trippier, Livramento, Burn, Krafth and Matt Targett all capable at left back.
Speaking about the injury to former Chelsea man Hall, who has an ankle injury, Howe told Sky Sports: "It’s a nasty injury so we need to make sure he’s treated right and hopefully he’s back to full strength for next season. But he’s a strong character. "Lewis has been particularly hit by the news and the timing of it. It’s been particularly tough for him with the cup final just around the corner and also England on the horizon."
West Ham and Brentford next up in Premier League for Magpies
Newcastle United, who will also be without Anthony Gordon through suspension following a red card picked up against Brighton, have already been beaten by both West Ham and Brentford this season. The Hammers ran out 2-0 winners on Tyneside in November with the Bees beating the Magpies 4-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium in December.
That win over Newcastle United looked to be a turning point for former Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who has since been replaced by Graham Potter. Speaking after the win, he said: "I am happy for the three points and am very happy against a good team like Newcastle, who have good players and a fantastic coach.
"I think today was a tough match and we were able to compete as a team. I think we deserved to win. Today they had many moments in the first half, but I think the second half we deserved to win and we are happy because you have to do these kind of matches against this type of team if you want to overcome them."
In other news, former West Ham and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational return to Premier League management.