Newcastle United legend Shay Given is relishing Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, but has one big concern heading into the game.
The Magpies are preparing for their first Champions League game at St James’ Park in 20 years, with a raucous atmosphere expected.
It will hopefully give Newcastle an edge against PSG, with an incredible pre-match display from Wor Flags set to dazzle fans and help turn the volume up to 11.
But Toon fans do not need reminding how big this game is, and nor does Eddie Howe. He worked so hard to get to this stage, as his players performed a miracle and finished in the top four last season.
Their reward is Champions League clashes with PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, with the Ligue 1 champions the first to test themselves at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are a different and dangerous beast at home, and Given does not think PSG will be looking forward to their trip to Tyneside. However, he has admitted that Howe has one major concern ahead of Wednesday night.
Given worried about Newcastle’s injuries ahead of PSG clash
Given has appeared on The Monday Night Club on 5 Live Sport, and spoke about his ‘only concern’ ahead of Newcastle vs PSG.
“They [Newcastle] are in a good vein of form,” he said.
“Five clean sheets on the bounce. Results have picked up.
“The only problem for Wednesday is they’ve got a few injuries to key players. Joelinton’s out. Botman’s out. Wilson was a doubt. No Barnes, he’s out long-term.
“That’s the only concern. You’d love Newcastle to be full strength going against PSG, but I still think PSG won’t relish going to St James’ Park on Wednesday.”
Botman is the big miss for Champions League contest
As Given says, it is a crushing blow to be without the players mentioned above.
The Joelinton injury is tough to take, especially as it came just moments after he was introduced during Saturday’s win against Burnley. Had he been fit, he would have been nailed on to start against PSG.
Sven Botman also would have been a definite starter, and his injury is the one that could hurt Newcastle the most.
He is our best centre-back, and someone who is almost irreplaceable for Howe. That role could go to Jamaal Lascelles, who has started Newcastle’s previous two games. It will be a big ask for the 29-year-old to perform against PSG given how little football he has played over the past year.
But even with the injuries, Newcastle will be confident that they can cause PSG problems, and maybe even spring a surprise as European nights return to Tyneside.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
