After a season of grueling injuries, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe finally has a variety of choices to choose from on his bench. While his Seagulls prepare to invade St. James’ Park this weekend, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is having trouble making his starting lineup.
If vice captain Kieran Trippier passes a late fitness test, Newcastle will be encouraged. Nick Pope has resumed training, and Joelinton and Miguel Almiron returned to action last week and have already recovered from a week of behind-the-scenes work.
The north east outfit are poised to have a hefty amount in reserve for the visit of Brighton in their final home game of the season, while De Zerbi battles an injury crisis with up to 10 first-team stars missing.
Brighton will be without Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, Pervis Estupinan, Jan Paul van Hecke, James Milner, Tariq Lamptey and Adam Lallana. Now, former Newcastle United transfer target Joao Pedro is also a doubt for the trip to Tyneside.
“I don’t know, today it happened and I don’t know if tomorrow he can play,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday. “I am sad for that because Joao is important for us, especially in this moment for us when Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are not at their top condition.”
Howe has a selection headache on his hands with Trippier’s potential return after Tino Livramento’s fine form. The former will be keen to earn some valuable minutes ahead of a potential Euro 2024 call up.
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