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Newcastle United suffered defeat when they hosted Arsenal at St James’ Park on Sunday, but they will have little time to lick their wounds.
The Magpies are jetting off to Brussels for their second Champions League game of the season, where they will take on Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday evening.
Eddie Howe will be hoping that the nature of the last-minute loss to the Gunners won’t affect the mentality of his team going into their European clash, as they look to establish themselves in the competition.
The frustrating defeat was not the only concern on Tyneside, as key player Tino Livramento suffered a nasty injury to his knee, which led to him being stretchered off in the second half.
Speaking after the game, Howe revealed his disappointment:
“No update other than what we saw. Seeing him go off in that manner is distressing.
“He’s been so good for us with his quality and if we’re going to miss that for any length of time, it’s going to be a big blow.
“I think it’s a knee [injury], yeah.”
Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall were all absent for the Premier League fixture over the weekend, however, there is an expected double fitness boost ahead of their trip to Belgium.
The Shields Gazette has claimed that both Schar and Hall could be in contention for the Champions League game this week.
The return of the Swiss centre-back could be imminent after serving his 12-day concussion protocol period, following a clash of heads in the opener against Barcelona, and Tuesday would mark the end of those 12 days.
Hall was rested due to fatigue for both games last week, so he will be expected to come straight back into the squad on Wednesday.
Will Lewis Hall start against Union Saint-Gilloise?
With Livramento out indefinitely at present, there is no better time for Hall to return to the starting eleven to relieve a selection headache for Howe.
Newcastle will face Union Saint-Gilloise away and then host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, before the international break commences, where a much-needed rest will be available for the players who won’t take part.
The 21-year-old went from strength to strength last season and played an important part in Newcastle’s success both in the Carabao Cup and in their efforts to earn a European spot.
However, an injury to a bone in his foot meant he needed to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the 2024/25 season, something Howe will not want to repeat.
As a result, it is understandable why the Newcastle boss has been managing his minutes and has been cautious in selecting him.
Still, with Livramento predicted to be out for a longer period, it will now be time for him to step up.
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