Newcastle United will have at least four players unavailable for Friday night’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, due to injury and suspension.
The Reds host the Magpies at the City Ground in the league’s first match of the weekend, with kick-off at 8pm. Steve Cooper ’s side will look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 away defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing.
Any points picked up against Newcastle will also see them move further away from the relegation zone ahead of the weekend’s other Premier League games. Eddie Howe’s team will also be looking to pick up points in the race for European football next season.
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It has been confirmed by the Newcastle boss that January signing Anthony Gordon will not be available for the clash due to an ankle injury. The winger picked up the problem in the game against Man City, with him sitting out the weekend’s win over Wolves.
Newcastle will also be without attacking midfielder Joelinton for the game as he serves the second of a two-game suspension after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Man City.
“It was probably inevitable it would come, although we’re desperately disappointed that it was today, given the two games we've got before the international break, that's going to be a long absence for him," Howe told reporters following the game vs Man City.
“I thought it was a harsh booking for him and he plays on the edge, he's a fierce competitor, I thought he played very well again today. We're certainly going to miss him.”
Another player who will be unavailable for the game is Ryan Fraser, who has been training with the club’s U23 squad, with Howe saying he only wants players "committed" to the club in his first team. Newcastle will also be without long-term absentee Emil Krafth, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered back in August.
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