If Newcastle United ask Santa Claus for anything this Christmas, it should be a much more fit squad. These days, you could do two injury report articles for every Newcastle match: one on the progress of the long-term injury absentees, and another Team News piece on the short-term injury issues. We’ll do that, and just that, here starting with forward Alexander Isak. He has a chronic groin injury, and Eddie Howe described him as “50/50” to play tomorrow at Luton Town
In addition to Isak, you have a quartet of Magpies hoping to be fit enough to feature in this one.
Newcastle United at Luton Town FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Dec. 23, 3pm, Kenilworth Road
Newcastle United Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Newcastle 58% Draw 23% Luton Town 19%
Premier League Form: Newcastle WLLWW Everton LLLWL
Premier League Standing: Newcastle 6th, 29 pts Luton Town 18th, 9 pts
Newcastle United Team News
The quartet consists of Fabian Schar (gluteal muscle injury), Joelinton (thigh issue), Emil Krafth (nasty cut on his leg) and Anthony Gordon (a “really nasty-looking knock”). They were all taken off at halftime of Tuesday night’s League Cup quarterfinal elimination at Chelsea. And thus, all will face late fitness tests here if they hope to get into the matchday squad.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.