Eddie Howe is expected to make changes as Newcastle United begin their Carabao Cup campaign away at Tranmere Rovers. The Magpies travel to Prenton Park on Wednesday for the televised second-round tie.
United's thrilling draw against Premier League champions Manchester City marked the start of a testing fortnight. Trips to face Wolves and Liverpool follow the cup clash with the League Two side, while Howe will also be hopeful of strengthening his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.
It is only three games into the new season, but the Newcastle boss already has a number of injury concerns to consider. The likes of Federico Fernandez, Jamal Lewis and Javier Manquillo have missed spells in pre-season, but have all now returned to training.
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Howe has stressed he is keen for Newcastle to progress in the competition, but the schedule means a number of changes for Wednesday night are expected. However, here are the five United players who have either been ruled out or are considered doubtful for the Tranmere tie.
Dan Burn
In a scene reminiscent of Olivier Bernard falling victim to a Laurent Robert thunderbolt, Burn was brought off late on against City after being struck in the face by a clearance from Sven Botman. The January signing had deputised at full-back in the absence of Matt Targett, but concussion means Howe has ruled the towering defender out of the midweek clash on Merseyside.
Ryan Fraser
The former Bournemouth winger was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad on Sunday due to a groin injury sustained in the warm-up. Fraser is yet to start for the Magpies this season, and Howe has confirmed they are awaiting the results of a scan.
Jonjo Shelvey
The Newcastle playmaker is facing a race against time to return to action ahead of the mid-season break for the World Cup. Shelvey picked up a hamstring injury in the pre-season defeat against Benfica which required surgery.
Matt Targett
Targett started the season-opener against Nottingham Forest, but has missed the last two fixtures after suffering a dead leg. The left-back almost returned to action against City, but Howe might deem a start against Tranmere an unnecessary risk given the upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Liverpool.
Callum Wilson
Newcastle's number nine was substituted in the City draw due to concerns over a hamstring injury. Howe confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the striker has been sent for a scan, although the hope is that the latest setback is not serious.
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