Newcastle United have been dealt a major attacking blow before their trip to Anfield to take on reigning Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime.
Allan Saint-Maximin started in the Magpies' thrilling 3-2 victory over West Ham United before being forced off with a swollen ankle after 64 minutes, and he may not be ready to start this game.
Newcastle have only won two of their 13 Premier League matches without Saint-Maximin this season, so while Steve Bruce would hope to have him available, the Frenchman's potential absence opens up a spot for Callum Wilson to link up with Joelinton in attack.
Karl Darlow was nowhere to be seen against West Ham, but Martin Dubravka has forced his way back into the team anyway, and injuries to Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Jamaal Lascelles should see Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark line up in an unchanged backline.
Matt Ritchie provided the assist for Joe Willock's late winner against the Hammers and should edge out Jamal Lewis once again, but Willock may be left on the bench once more due to his usefulness as an impact substitute.
The Arsenal loanee is pushing Miguel Almiron for a start, but the Paraguayan is expected to form a familiar midfield with Sean Longstaff and former Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey for the trip to Merseyside.
Newcastle possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie; Shelvey, Longstaff; Almiron; Wilson, Joelinton
> Click here to see how Liverpool could line up for this clash
Video prediction
Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:
Ben Knapton
