Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe won’t blame his side’s recent slide on their injury crisis, but it is certainly one of the primary culprits. Forward Anthony Gordon (thigh) and fullback Kieran Trippier (knock) could be available for the next clash, a Premier League fixture vs Fulham FC.
Other than that, it looks like the Toon Team News is just about the same as it ever was…lately.
Newcastle United vs Fulham FC FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Dec. 16, 3pm, St. James Park, Newcastle, UK
Newcastle Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
PL Standing, Form: Fulham 10th 21 pts WWLWL Newcastle 7th, 26 pts LLWWL
Google Result Probability: Fulham 24% Draw 24% Newcastle 52%
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Newcastle United vs Fulham FC Team News
Sandro Tonali is suspended for the rest of the season while Dan Burn (back), Matt Targett (thigh) Elliot Anderson (back) and Javi Manquillo (groin) are all ruled out. Additionally, Harvey Barnes (foot), Joe Willock (Achilles tendon), Jacob Murphy (shoulder injury) and Sven Botman (knee injury) will all remain out until after the holidays. We won’t be seeing any of them in action during the upcoming festive period fixture congestion.
Starting goalkeeper Nick Pope is out until April as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Shifting over to the visitors, Adama Traore (hamstring) and Tim Ream (calf) are ruled out while Willian (thigh) could be fit to feature here. Yes, Willian is still around, collecting a paycheck in the Premier League. Issa Diop (foot) faces a late fitness test here.
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.