So far this season, the Newcastle injury news has been far from kind to Eddie Howe. In fact, many have argued that the Magpies have been the unluckiest side in the Premier League with regard to injuries, as at some points they have had almost their full starting eleven on the treatment table. But how are they looking ahead of their trip to Sunderland in the FA Cup?
Newcastle injury news vs Sunderland: First-team trio are "likely to miss" away trip
Well, according to a Q&A from the Craig Hope for the Daily Mail, the three players who were believed to be close to a return are nowhere closer than before.
TRENDING: Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Sunderland in the FA Cup
""From what I hear, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes are all likely to miss the next two matches against Sunderland and Manchester City""Craig Hope (via Mail Online)
While it's somewhat a non-update and doesn't mean their injuries have worsened in any way, I must say that this is a disappointing update. Harvey Barnes has been injured for ages now, and he is behind his former injury return timeline. We could do with players returning in the midfield too so Willock and Anderson are missed, particularly when you factor in the suspension for Sandro Tonali.
With all this in mind, I would expect there to be little changes to the starting eleven that faced Liverpool on New Years Day. While the competition is easier than our recent Premier League game, the stakes are higher since bragging rights are on the line. We need to beat those lot on Saturday, but our injury position doesn't serve us well by any stretch of the imagination.
What do you make of the Newcastle injury news vs Sunderland?