Newcastle United conclude their Premier League season with a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley. The Magpies still harness hopes of a top 10 finish following their superb form in the calendar year of 2022, but it is at the bottom of the table where the focus is really in this match.
Opponents Burnley are currently locked in a two-way battle with Leeds United for Premier League safety, and currently sit outside the bottom three on just goal difference. A win for the Magpies could plunge Eddie Howe’s former side into deep trouble depending on results elsewhere.
But Newcastle will want to solidify the progress they have made in the second half of the season and a win on the final day would cap off an unbelievable run of form. Ahead of the game, here is the full state of play in Newcastle’s treatment room.
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Chris Wood – hip
Chris Wood missed the game against Arsenal on Monday night with a hip injury but could return against his former side this weekend. Howe revealed in his pre-match press conference that he was set to return to training on Friday.
What Howe said (20.05.22): “We’re going to try him today in training. We don’t think it’s a serious injury so fingers crossed we see him in training today.”
Potential return date: 22.05.22
Fabian Schar – head
Fabian Schar had to be substituted just four minutes into the second half against Arsenal after suffering a knock to the head. Howe has confirmed he will require a late fitness test under the concussion protocols.
What Howe said (20.05.22): “We’re following concussion protocols. He may be doing something outside today but we’re following the protocols closely so it’ll be a late decision on him.”
Potential return date: 22.05.22
Ryan Fraser – hamstring
Ryan Fraser is doubtful for the game on Sunday as he continues to feel the effects of a hamstring injury. Fraser returned after five matches out against Arsenal but has been playing through the pain barrier, which Howe may not take any risks with.
What Howe said (20.05.22): “Ryan Fraser might be out of the game. He came on and had a slight awareness in his hamstring. I don’t think there is a massive reinjury but there is an awareness in his hamstring again.”
Potential return date: 22.05.22
Jonjo Shelvey – calf
Jonjo Shelvey will be definitely unavailable for the trip to Turf Moor after picking up a relatively serious calf injury. Howe is hopeful of having him back by pre-season and thinks it is similar to the one he picked up right at the beginning of the season.
What Howe said (12.05.22): “Jonjo has quite a serious calf injury, which is similar to the one he sustained at the start of the season. He’ll be out for a period of time but we expect him back for pre-season with no problems.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Joe Willock – knee
Like Shelvey, Joe Willock will also be absent for the final day of the season due to the recurrence of a knee injury he had previously been struggling with. Again, though, Howe is expecting him back for the beginning of pre-season.
What Howe said (12.05.22): “Joe has had an issue with a tendon in his knee for a while. We thought we’d solved the problem but it’s come back. He needs a period of rest, he’s had a couple of injections, but we anticipate he’ll be fine for pre-season.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Javi Manquillo – illness
Javi Manquillo missed the game against Arsenal for a surprise reason – as he was suffering with chickenpox. Howe did not provide an update on his condition on Friday, so it’s unclear as to whether he’ll be fit for Burnley.
What Howe said (16.05.22): “Javi Manquillo has chickenpox, so that’s why he missed out.”
Potential return date: Unknown
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