· April 3 2025, 13:30
**While the result went the right way for Newcastle United last night as they beat Brentford 2-1 at St James' Park, it wasn't all good news for Eddie Howe at full time.**
Newcastle kept up the pace with Manchester City and Chelsea in the race for the Champions League with last night's victory but it seems it came at a price.
Indeed, Newcastle were already feeling the effects of having such a small squad with teenagers Leo Shahar and Sean Neave both on the bench last night.
Neave has already been part of the last few match day squads, but with Matt Targett unavailable (again), Leo Shahar got his first little taste of the promised land with a spot on the bench.
Kieran Trippier felt an issue in his groin during the game
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In fact, Leo Shahar may have been close to getting on the pitch were the game not so tight.
Right-back Kieran Trippier picked up a niggle during the game and was replaced by Emil Krafth in the second half with Eddie Howe telling [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/key-newcastle-united-trio-hurt-31339645) that Trippier felt a niggle in his groin.
> "He said it was like a cramp sensation in his groin. We hope it’s nothing serious, but that is the negative today.
>
> "We’ve got a few niggles, and we just hope they’re nothing serious. We have such a small squad, as you could see from our bench, so we can’t afford to pick up any more injuries."
Joelinton played through the pain last night
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[Alexander Isak wasn't 100%](https://nufcfeed.com/eddie-howe-says-alexander-isak-wasnt-feeling-100-which-led-to-his-early-withdrawal-1232349) either being hooked early, but as well as that, Joelinton also needed treatment on a knee injury during the game which could need extra attention before the Leicester City clash on Monday.
> "I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it’s the knee that he’s suffered from before.
>
> "I don’t think he was 100 per cent fit, but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch today. But that’s where we need to assess every little niggle we have and make sure everyone is okay for Monday."
Paul Mitchell has quite a task ahead of him this summer as he needs to flesh out the squad but also bring in quality players that won't come cheap.