Newcastle United could be given a big boost ahead of their trip to Leicester on Sunday, as the Foxes are struggling with illnesses and Covid-19 cases.
Brendan Rodgers’ side travel to Naples this evening for a crucial Europa League game against Napoli.
All four sides can still qualify for the knockout stages going into the last matches of Group C, so there is a lot riding on the match.
However, if heading into the clash against a side who is currently sitting third in Serie A wasn’t difficult enough, the Foxes’ preparation for the pivotal game has been hampered by several senior players being ruled out.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Italy, Rodgers revealed that seven players had not made the trip due to illness.
“We’ve had a number of people, staff and players, who haven’t travelled,” he explained.
“We’ve had some positive [COVID-19] cases, some are generally not well, so we haven’t taken the risk.”
But there was some good news on the injury front for the King Power side as Youri Tielemans and Ryan Bertrand have both travelled.
Following Newcastle’s lucrative takeover, the Mail reported that the calibre of player the new owners would target would be Leicester’s Belgian star, who is out of contract in the summer of 2023.
Potential boost for Howe’s Newcastle
If Leicester are still struggling with several players being out for Sunday afternoon’s clash against the Magpies, then Eddie Howe’s side have to take advantage.
Playing against one of Europe’s best sides tonight is going to take a lot out of the depleted Foxes and with a quick turnaround to the weekend clash, the Toon Army could utilise their greater freshness.
Leicester’s poor defensive record would have given Howe and his side optimism, but with potentially some key men missing come Sunday, Newcastle simply have to capitalise why the Foxes are wounded and vulnerable.
- NEW! Download the TalkingPoints App, create your own newsfeed and join the conversation
- Ewen Jaouen reveals immediate thoughts on Newcastle United’s training ground after signing
- Kieran Maguire’s verdict on PIF selling Newcastle United after LIV Golf U-turn
- Fabrizio Romano confirms Ewen Jaouen transfer fee as Newcastle United close in
- Progress at last as Newcastle United completely revamp their transfer stance
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
