Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has both Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw on standby to make their full debuts against Leeds on Saturday night.
Putting aside the Alexander Isak saga, Newcastle are now in real danger of looking depleted before the first international break of the season comes around.
The powderkeg encounter at Elland Road offers the next opportunity to take three points for the first time since May 11 when Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have stumbled into a winless Premier League run and have not won in four top-flight matches across the end of last season and start of the new campaign following a defeat against Liverpool on Monday night.
A behind closed doors win against Carlisle back in July is all Newcastle had to shout about in pre-season after some stern tests ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Howe has doubts over Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar while Anthony Gordon is banned for three matches.
Joelinton picked up a groin injury and was forced off, while Tonali suffered damage to his shoulder. Schar endured a knock to the head with declaring the player out.Howe may now turn to Thiaw and ex-Aston Villa star Ramsey for the crunch clash against Daniel Farke’s Whites.
Speaking about the importance of the duo, Howe said: “I thought they both did well against Liverpool. It’s a big moment because you only truly feel part of the club when you play.”They’re going to be hugely important players.”When asked about the injury situation, Howe said: “They’re genuine injuries and the players had to come off in the middle of the game, and that’s a huge blow to us.
“Joey doesn’t look great to be honest, especially when the signal was so early [for him to come off] when he went down.”Sandro, again, it doesn’t look good. He couldn’t move his arm. He said he wanted to stay on, but it wasn’t functioning properly.”We obviously also lose Anthony through suspension and Fabian through concussion.”
