It is good news and bad news on the injury front ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Chelsea.
The Magpies welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park immediately after the international break, with Eddie Howe’s stretched squad set to face a side that has scored eight goals in their previous two games.
Newcastle are going to be up against it on November 25th, when they will hope to welcome Alexander Isak back from injury. He has been out of action with a groin problem, but is eyeing up that game to make his return.
Howe had limited options for Newcastle’s last game against Bournemouth, and it sounds like it could be a similar situation when Chelsea arrive on Tyneside.
Sean Longstaff could miss Newcastle vs Chelsea
According to the Telegraph, Sean Longstaff is a doubt for the game against Chelsea due to a swollen ankle.
The midfielder hurt himself when blocking the ball against Bournemouth, and looked to be in serious pain – so much so that he would have to come off. At the time, Howe could not believe what he was seeing as he shook his head in disbelief.
However, Longstaff was incredibly able to carry on, but it looks like the problem he picked up could now rule him out of Newcastle’s next game.
That is bad news, but there is a positive update on Miguel Almiron.
Better news on Miguel Almiron’s injury
The Telegraph state that Almiron could feature against the Blues, as his hamstring problem is not as bad as first feared.
There were concerns that he could be out of action for a number of weeks after being forced off on Saturday night.
But having him fit ahead of a busy winter run is positive news for Eddie Howe, who is desperately short of attackers right now. In fact, he is desperately short of players in every position – bar goalkeeper.
It’s a mixed bag heading into the Chelsea game. Longstaff might now miss out, but there is hope that Almiron is going to avoid a spell on the sidelines.
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