Eddie Howe has confirmed Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin are both pushing for starts in Newcastle United's clash at Southampton. The pair have spent spells on the sidelines and substitute appearances in the Magpies' comfortable win over Aston Villa last time out.
Ralph Hassenhuttl is under pressure following a poor start to the season, and the Saints currently sit just one point and place above the relegation zone. Newcastle registered a 2-1 win in their last visit to St Mary's in March as Howe's side pulled clear of relegation danger.
United have three more fixtures to negotiate ahead of the World Cup break, with a Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace and home encounter with Chelsea to come. The Magpies will likely have to rely on the squad ahead of a busy final week, and these are the six absentees and doubts facing the head coach.
Karl Darlow
The Magpies' backup goalkeeper was pictured back in training this week as he stepped up his return from an ankle injury. But there is no indication the 32-year-old is expected to return to the matchday squad anytime soon, especially with Loris Karius signed until the new year.
Paul Dummett
The academy graduate is yet to feature at all this season after signing a one-year contract extension in the summer. Howe confirmed last month the defender has suffered a 'calf problem', with no return date given at this stage.
Alexander Isak
Newcastle remain without their record signing who is not expected back until after the World Cup break. Isak scored two in three black-and-white appearances before suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Sweden.
Joelinton
Howe will be unable to call upon Newcastle's number seven after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the win at Aston Villa. Joelinton will serve a one-match suspension and will be eligible to play against both Palace and Chelsea.
Emil Krafth
The Sweden international remains a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL injury in the Carabao Cup victory at Tranmere Rovers in August. Javier Manquillo is now the most likely candidate to step in at right-back should Kieran Trippier pick up an injury or need a rest.
Matt Ritchie
The versatile veteran has been sidelined with a hamstring problem that was likely to rule him out until after the World Cup break. Howe named Ritchie among the players ruled out for the Saints clash without offering any further update.
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