The six Newcastle injury doubts and absences for Eddie…

The six Newcastle injury doubts and absences for Eddie Howe to consider ahead of Aston Villa

Eddie Howe could welcome two players back into his Newcastle United squad for the upcoming clash with Aston Villa. The Magpies will be looking to build upon their impressive win at Tottenham and maintain their top-four spot.

Unai Emery has been appointed as Steven Gerrard's successor at Villa Park, and the club registered a thumping 4-0 win over Brentford following the sacking of the Liverpool legend. Emery will not be in charge at St James' Park, and is expected to begin work in the Midlands from November 1.

Howe made one change to his starting eleven for the victory at Tottenham, with Joe Willock taking the place of Jacob Murphy. The Magpies may benefit from the absence of a midweek fixture on the injury front, and these are the six confirmed absentees and doubts facing the head coach.

Elliot Anderson

The academy graduate was not included in the matchday squad for the win in the capital. However, the 19-year-old is expected to return to the bench after overcoming a 'minor niggle' according to Howe.

Karl Darlow

Darlow was initially feared to be unavailable until after the World Cup after picking up an ankle injury in training, a setback which prompted the club to sign Loris Karius. Howe suggested the goalkeeper was in the 'latter stages' of his recovery last week, but no further update suggests he remains unavailable for selection.

Alexander Isak

Newcastle's record signing has not featured since returning from international duty with Sweden with a thigh injury. Howe confirmed ahead of the clash with Villa that the 23-year-old has had injections, and will not be available for up to six weeks.

Emil Krafth

Isak's international team-mate remains a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL injury in the Carabao Cup victory at Tranmere Rovers in August. Howe has not given an estimated return date for the full-back, only saying he will be unavailable for a 'number of months'.

Matt Ritchie

The Magpies veteran has not made the bench since the home draw with Bournemouth last month after picking up a calf injury in training. There has been no recent update on whether the 33-year-old is close to a return.

Allan Saint-Maximin

Newcastle's number 10 has endured a number of setbacks in his attempts to return from a hamstring injury. However, the Magpies boss has confirmed the forward could be in line to make his latest comeback on Saturday.

The six Newcastle injury doubts and absences for Eddie Howe to consider ahead of Aston Villa

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