Newcastle United could be counting the cost of Monday night’s defeat to West Ham for a while.
Newcastle were stopped in their tracks in the Premier League as the Hammers ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park.
It is the latest setback in a season littered by inconsistencies and underlines some of the problems in Eddie Howe’s side.
They may have seen a lot of the ball but did little with it, while they squandered good chances when they did actually come. Suspect defensively at times too, it seems as if Howe’s side don’t really know what to do with the ball when they have it.
The Magpies missed the chance to put further pressure on the teams battling for Champions League qualification and are now under pressure to win down at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Fail to win that and this season threatens to take another ugly turn, just when things looked to be improving.
Sadly for Howe, a double injury worry has emerged too.
Newcastle dealt due double injury worry as anxious wait emerges
Indeed, both Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes were forced off during the defeat to the Hammers.
Willock came off at the break before Guimaraes came off towards the dying embers of the game.
According to The Northern Echo, the midfield duo will be assessed and Howe gave a reasonably concerning update after the game.
“There’s slight concern at this moment in time,” he said.
“We don’t know the details of their injuries so we’ll wait and see. Hopefully nothing too serious.”
The omens aren’t promising amid Newcastle injury blow
Newcastle are a much better team when Willock and Guimaraes start alongside Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. In fact, the West Ham defeat was the first they’ve suffered when starting together (14 games).
To not have them available for a difficult looking away trip to Selhurst Park is a real concern. Hopefully, positive news emerges on the pair over the coming week.
Monday’s defeat looks very costly indeed.
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