Eddie Howe is preparing a depleted Newcastle United squad to face Arsenal on Sunday.
The Magpies have multiple injury issues ahead of their game against Arsenal, with Sven Botman a doubt.
Eddie Howe has also confirmed that Kieran Trippier will miss Sunday’s match, while Joelinton looks set to be absent for a fourth consecutive game.
Newcastle United are going to be without key players at the Emirates Stadium, but there is better news concerning Joe Willock.
The 25-year-old missed Newcastle’s win over Chelsea with a thigh problem, but Howe believes that Willock could return against Arsenal.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Joe Willock hands Newcastle United an injury boost before Arsenal
That is a boost for the Magpies, and supporters have been given further encouragement following an update from the Newcastle United training ground.
The club have provided photos on their official website from one of this week’s sessions, and Willock can be seen taking part alongside his Toon teammates.
However, there is no sign of Botman.
The rest of Newcastle’s big hitters are involved, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon all preparing for Sunday’s game against Arsenal.
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If Newcastle win, they will effectively qualify for next season’s Champions League due to their positive goal difference.
Joe Willock has impressed away to Arsenal
Having Willock available will be a boost.
While he has come under fire for his recent performances, he is a player who can provide something different in midfield.
His last appearance came in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. On that day, Willock was booked for a dive after attempting to win a penalty. After the incident, Daniel Sturridge called Willock ‘cheeky’ for his theatrics.
That was disappointing, but Willock is certainly a player who is capable of more than what he has shown in recent weeks.
There will also be added motivation if he features on Sunday, as Willock is a former Arsenal player who came through their academy.
His last two appearances at the Emirates Stadium have actually gone well. He was part of the Newcastle United team that beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, putting in an extremely disciplined performance.
Willock also appeared in a 4-1 defeat for the Magpies at the Emirates last season. While that was a difficult night for Newcastle, it was an important one for Willock. He was able to mark his comeback from a lengthy injury with a goal, scoring a header.
That was the last time that Willock scored in the Premier League for Newcastle United.