Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is sweating over the availability of some key cogs for Wednesday's Premier League showdown against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park.
The Magpies will definitely be missing Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Callum Wilson (thigh), Emil Krafth (shoulder) and Nick Pope (knee), as well as Harvey Barnes, who picked up a muscular injury in the 3-1 FA Cup third-round win over Bromley at the weekend.
Howe was already having to cope without Joe Willock, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman for the knockout clash too, as the quartet all came out of the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win over Arsenal worse for wear.
Willock's "nasty knock" might not settle down in time for the midweek fixture, but there is hope that Isak and Murphy will be able to come in for Will Osula and Miguel Almiron up front.
A goal for Isak on Wednesday would see him become just the fourth player to score in eight successive Premier League games, and his efforts will be aided by Anthony Gordon, expected to be a straight swap for Barnes on the left.
Alterations further back will also see Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes return to their rightful spots in midfield alongside Joelinton, but caution should be exercised over Botman given his recent 10-month absence.
As a result, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn could shield Martin Dubravka, as highly-rated full-back duo Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento complete a menacing rearguard.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
> Click here to see how Wolves could line up for this game
Ben Knapton
