Newcastle United could be without another two key players against Liverpool as their injury concerns worsen.
Eddie Howe is sweating on the fitness of England international duo Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson ahead of this evening’s Premier League clash at Anfield (kick-off 8pm).
NewcastleWorld understands both players are a doubt, meaning the club’s absentee list could reach double figures once again.
Trippier played a full 90 minutes as the Magpies lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. Wilson, meanwhile, was introduced in the 55th minute in place of Miguel Almiron.
That could see Tino Livramento replace Trippier at right-back while Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line having scored at Anfield on his debut last in 2022.
The pair’s potential absence threatens inflict further injury misery on United. Their treatment room already hosts nine senior players, including Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Javier Manquillo, Matt Targett and Jamaal Lascelles. Not since 1994 have Newcastle won at Anfield. Howe, as manager, has lost his last 11 games versus the Reds. And there tends to be drama when the two clubs meet.
In the early season meeting at St James’ Park, Newcastle led 1-0 against the 10-man Reds after Virgil van Dijk’s first-half red card. Darwin Nunez, however, stunned the hosts by netting a late brace.
Six months earlier, there was a sending off for Newcastle as goalkeeper Nick Pope was shown his marching orders. Goals from Nunez and Cody Gakpo claimed a 2-0 victory.
And in last season’s clash on Merseyside, a last-minute winner by Fabio Carvalho condemned United to a heart-breaking defeat, despite taking the lead through Isak.
While Newcastle pipped Liverpool to Champions League qualification last term, Jurgen Klopp’s men are a team resurged and currently sit top of the Premier League table, 13 points above tonight’s visitors.
