England boss Gareth Southgate insists he isn't nervous about late injuries between now and the 2022 World Cup after naming his 26-man squad on Thursday. Newcastle United trio Callum Wilson, Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier have made the cut with one Premier League game to go before the players jet off to Qatar.
Wilson has consistently struggled with injuries during his time at Newcastle but recently returned to the first-team in fine style, netting four times in seven games to earn his place at the tournament. The 30-year-old was withdrawn halfway through the 4-1 win over Southampton last weekend through illness and wasn't risked for the midweek Carabao Cup tie.
Trippier also looked to have picked up a hamstring injury against the Saints but played on after an initial scare close to half-time. Pope has enjoyed a clean bill of health since joining Newcastle.
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Eddie Howe will certainly be asked about his team selection plans on Friday as we previews the visit of Chelsea to St James' Park, but it remains to be seen if he will rest his World Cup-bound stars.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Southgate rejected any claim that he was feeling tense ahead of the final round of top flight fixtures. "Not for me. Nothing I can do about it," he quipped after being asked if this weekend was a nervy one.
"Watching the matches unfold, you're always intrigued to see how the tactical games are going. The form of the players of course. But the injuries are out of our hands. It's happened before and it can happen again."
Newcastle's final Premier League game sees Chelsea visit St James' Park looking to improve their top flight form. Howe's side will be hoping to enter break on a high with another scalp against a Big Six side.
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