Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United head into Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur with Matthias Jaissle facing a difficult selection headache after three important players were ruled out of the clash.
The Magpies travel to north London looking for their first Premier League win of the campaign after being held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Liverpool on the opening weekend. But their preparations have been complicated by injuries in several areas of the squad.
The biggest concern is captain Dan Burn, who remains unavailable with an ankle ligament injury. The experienced defender has been an important figure for Newcastle, particularly when it comes to providing leadership and stability at the back.
Burn is joined on the sidelines by Joelinton, who is also unavailable because of a groin problem. His absence could be particularly frustrating for Jaissle given the Brazilian’s ability to provide physicality and energy in midfield.
There is also a concern at right-back, with Tino Livramento missing the trip because of a calf injury. That leaves Newcastle with another important first-team option unavailable as they prepare to face a Tottenham side that has spent heavily during the summer.
And the injury situation could hardly have come at a worse time.
Tottenham have undergone a major rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi and are expected to have several of their new attacking signings involved. The hosts will be looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brentford on the opening weekend, while Newcastle will be determined to build on their encouraging performance against Liverpool.
Newcastle also have another concern up front, with William Osula expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in the Liverpool game. The injury is not believed to involve significant structural damage, but it still leaves Jaissle with fewer options in attack.
That could become an important issue with the transfer window still open.
The Magpies have already been busy this summer, but Osula’s injury could increase the pressure on the club to consider whether another attacking option is needed before the deadline.
For now, however, Jaissle has to focus on the task immediately in front of him.
Tottenham versus Newcastle kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, with both sides looking to put their opening-weekend frustrations behind them.
For Newcastle, the message is simple: despite the absences, they need to find a way to leave north London with something to show for their efforts.
And with three key players already confirmed out, this could be one of Jaissle’s biggest early tests of his Newcastle reign.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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