Two key Newcastle United players are doubts to face Liverpool tomorrow night. The Reds could face a weakened Magpies.
This comes from the Athletic. They report that both Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes are doubts for Newcastle’s trip to Anfield tomorrow night.
Both players have hamstring injuries. Saint-Maximin appeared to pick his up in the 1-1 draw against Wolves this weekend, while Guimaraes missed that game with his issue. They’re two of the most important players in Eddie Howe’s side, and the manager isn’t exactly positive they’ll be back to face Liverpool.
“We’re hopeful we can get the main body of the squad back pretty quickly,” said Howe. “Certainly for this game, we’re looking stretched.”
Newcastle players are doubts to face Liverpool
Newcastle are a very difficult side to face now, so we’ll take this as a positive for Liverpool. Anything that makes this midweek easier is a massive bonus, with the Merseyside derby following at Saturday lunchtime.
Guimaraes being out would certainly weaken their midfield. Saint-Maximin is the one who would be the biggest threat, however, against a Liverpool side looking to push on.
The Reds frequently leave their defenders to play one-v-one, given the high-pressing style. Saint-Maximin, though, is one of the best one-v-one attackers in the country. He might be the best.
“He’s devastating when he’s one v one,” Howe said earlier this year, per the Mirror. “I wouldn’t say there’s a better player one v one from an attacking perspective than Maxi in world football.
Trent Alexander-Arnold would breathe a sigh of relief if the player is out, then. Liverpool’s right-back wants to be as advanced as possible, rather than worrying about pace in behind. Let alone when that pace is from a player seeking out one-v-one duels.
Saint-Maximin being out would free Alexander-Arnold to focus almost entirely on his own game, then. He’ll be crossing his fingers for this one, we’re sure.
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