Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe must make changes to the 25-man Premier League squad Steve Bruce picked at the start of the season.
The Magpies have had a busy January transfer window, signing five senior players. All five of the new arrivals must be registered in the squad to feature in the Premier League – both Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have already been added.
Since their signings we’ve also brought in Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn. That means three more amendments must be made.
Freddie Woodman and Jeff Hendrick were both named in the first squad back in September, but have now gone out on loan. That frees up two spaces. But which three other players will be dropped to make way for the new recruits?
Ciaran Clark and Jamal Lewis in serious danger
It was reported on deadline day that both Ciaran Clark and Jamal Lewis turned down loan moves away from St James’ Park.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the defensive duo have been told they won’t be included in Howe’s 25-man squad.
It was a bold decision to stay at Newcastle, as it means both Clark and Lewis won’t play competitive football at all for the rest of the season.
It’s been a difficult season for both. Clark’s form has been really poor, and he was recently sent off during a friendly in Saudi Arabia. As for Lewis, he finally got back into the team, only for injury to disrupt his run. Now Paul Dummett is fit, and Targett has arrived too.
Other Newcastle players at risk of being dropped from Premier League squad
The other most likely player to lose his place in the squad is Isaac Hayden. The £1.5million midfielder is currently out injured, and not expected back until March.
His fitness situation could cost him his place in Howe’s squad. However, there are other alternatives.
Dwight Gayle has hardly featured much since Howe arrived. But he might be saved by Newcastle’s inability to add another striker in January.
Emil Krafth or Jacob Murphy could also be contenders. The former is way down the pecking order after Trippier’s arrival, while the latter lacks real Premier League quality. However, Howe appears to favour him over Miguel Almiron, and a lack of attacking recruits should keep both in the squad.
What we think Newcastle’s 25-man squad will be
Goalkeepers: Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie
Defenders: Paul Dummett, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Federico Fernandez, Javi Manquillo, Dan Burn
Midfielders: Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Ryan Fraser, Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes
Forwards: Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood, Dwight Gayle
Dropped: Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick (loaned out), Freddie Woodman (loaned out)
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
