Newcastle United are already dealing with injury problems this season.
After the crisis at Newcastle in terms of availability last time out, it would have been nice to at least get deeper into the campaign before worrying about the options available to Eddie Howe.
Still, that is not the reality in which the club are operating in right now.
Indeed, Alexander Isak missed the draw with Manchester City on Saturday, with Callum Wilson already out.
It meant Anthony Gordon had to deputise as a central striker and though he impressed, having to start him there is hardly ideal.
Options at the back are also pretty thin, both because of the failure to sign Marc Guehi and the long-term injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
With that in mind, Howe does not need more injuries.
However, they may be counting the cost of the efforts in Saturday’s clash with City.
Two Newcastle players will now be assessed by medical staff after draw with Man City
According to the Northern Echo, the club’s medical staff will now assess the fitness of both Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier, who came off against City.
It is said that Tonali was suffering from cramp when he came off, while Trippier had a leg problem.
Isak, meanwhile, will miss the Wimbledon game in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Newcastle can now afford to rotate
With all due respect to the Dons, Newcastle would be expected to beat them even if they rotated their squad. Overlooking them would of course be dangerous but Howe’s side would likely be favourites no matter what team they field (within reason).
To potentially be able to bring the likes of Tino Livramento and Sean Longstaff in for Trippier and Tonali respectively is the kind of luxury that Premier League teams have compared to those lower down the pyramid.
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