Brighton chief hit by a selection headache
NEWCASTLE United manager Eddie Howe finally has an array of options to turn to on his bench after a season of gruelling injuries. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, on the other hand, is facing a selection headaches as his Seagulls flock to St James’ Park this weekend.
Newcastle will be buoyed by the return of vice-captain Kieran Trippier should he pass a late fitness test, while Nick Pope has been back in training and Joelinton and Miguel Almiron returned to the fray last week and has since emerged unscathed from a week of training.
The North East outfit are poised to have a hefty amount in reserve for the visit of Brighton in their final home game of the season, while De Zerbi battles an injury crisis with up to 10 firstteam stars missing.
His side will be without Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, Pervis Estupinan, Jan Paul van Hecke and James Milner, Tariq Lamptey and Adam Lallana. Now, former Newcastle United transfer target Joao Pedro is also a doubt for the trip to Tyneside.
“I don’t know, today it happened and I don’t know if tomorrow he can play,” De Zerbi told reporters on yesterday. “I am sad for that because Joao is important for us, especially in this moment for us when Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are not at their top condition.”
Howe has a selection headache on his hands with Trippier’s potential return after Tino Livramento’s fine form. The former will be keen to earn some valuable minutes ahead of a potential Euro 2024 call-up.