Are Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson fit? Should Newcastle United risk them, even if they are not?
These are the dilemmas Eddie Howe must consider ahead of a game against his beloved Bournemouth. The Toon boss spent 22 years of his professional career at the Cherries as both a player and manager.
In 2015, Howe achieved a lifelong ambition by guiding Bournemouth to the Premier League - six years after securing League Two survival and helping the club avoid relegation to non-league football.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's 'entertaining' Bournemouth success and how Newcastle United are now replicating it
Now, he comes up against his old club for the first time since leaving in 2019. However, he must do so with several key players struggling for fitness.
The aforementioned trio have been absent in recent weeks and Howe stayed ambiguous in his pre-match press conference. The 44-year-old gave little away on whether Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin or Wilson will return.
In defence, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Matt Targett offer intrigue as Howe must decide who misses out. The former was dropped - some would say unfairly - for the first time this season last time out against Crystal Palace.
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